Ghana TV Station in Trouble …For Airing Mercy Johnson’s Film

Nigerian actress and producer Mercy Johnson-Okojie has strongly criticised a Ghanaian television station, Blazing TV, for broadcasting her movie The Firstborn without her permission.

In an Instagram post on July 19, 2025 Mercy Johnson expressed both shock and disappointment at the station’s actions.

She wrote: “Ghana, Blazing TV. How is this even ok? Blazing TV in Ghana is showing my movie, The Firstborn, on their TV without my consent. How does this even make sense? How? I am speechless at the audacity of it all.”

Her reaction adds to growing concerns about copyright abuse in Nollywood, where several filmmakers have raised similar complaints.

Mercy Johnson is not alone in this fight. Other Nigerian actresses like Omoni Oboli and Bimbo Ademoye have also spoken out about Ghanaian TV stations airing their works without permission and have even threatened legal action.

Just days after these concerns were raised, Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, along with the Chief Executive Officer of the National Film Authority (NFA), assured Bimbo Ademoye that they would take steps to address the issue and protect the intellectual property rights of Nigerian filmmakers in Ghana.

Sam George wrote: “My attention has been drawn to your post thanks to the tag. I would be raising the issue with my colleague minister responsible for overseeing television content.

“I, however, wish to assure you that our government is very respectful of intellectual property rights and would ensure the protection of same. I believe Ghana and Nigeria have so much we can continue to collaborate on for our mutual benefit.”