Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has accused a Ghanaian television station of broadcasting her latest film, The Memory of You Part 2, without her consent less than 24 hours after it premiered on YouTube.
In a video posted on her Instagram page on Saturday, the actress alleged that North East TV in Ghana aired the movie without authorisation, saying the action undermines the efforts of filmmakers who invest heavily in producing movies.
Expressing her disappointment, Ojo said she was shocked to learn that the film had already been shown on television shortly after its online release.
“I found out that there’s this TV station called North East TV in Ghana already showing my movie on their TV channel. I don’t understand. I didn’t give you permission. I don’t know you,” she said.
The actress argued that piracy makes it difficult for producers to recover the money spent on filmmaking.
“You just took my movie that I posted on my YouTube channel, not even up to 24 hours, and put it on your TV for people to watch for free while you make money. How do we make our money back?” she queried.
Prompt News reports Ojo appealed to the Ghana National Film Authority, the country’s entertainment authorities and President to intervene and address the alleged copyright violation.
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“Ghana National Film Authority, the minister in Ghana, the Ghanaian President himself, please look into this because it is very unfair that we Nigerians work so hard to produce our movies and some people sit in their corner transmitting them on local TV,” she said.
She stressed that filmmakers spend significant amounts on actors, production locations, accommodation, costumes, equipment and other logistics, adding that unauthorised broadcasts threaten the sustainability of the industry.
The actress’ claims sparked reactions from colleagues, with several saying they had experienced similar situations.
Destiny Etiko wrote, “That’s what they do to all our movies o. I have complained so much and am tired.”
Bimbo Ademoye also reacted, saying, “Watch them come and say they’re doing you a favour. Then Kafui Danku would tell you she’s working on it, then turn around and say you’re clout chasing.”
Several social media users urged Ojo to seek legal redress.
One user, thejpshield, commented, “As how na??? How can you take people movie without permission from the producer. Yall better do the needful!!!”
Another user, ip_lovers_ghana_, wrote, “Mama you can actually sue them. I guess this TV station is not in Accra but you can sue them big time. It is against the laws and this new politicians in entertainment industry in Ghana will do nothing because of politics.”
A third user, mcjblazedwfc, added, “Have talked about this before. It was done to uzee_usman, bimboademoye just few weeks back. Sue them QM.”
