The National Communications Authority (NCA) has announced a high-level, multi-agency offensive against internet streaming piracy of pay-TV content.
The crackdown comes as a direct response to what authorities describe as a “triple threat”: massive losses in state tax revenue, severe financial damage to the creative industry, and heightened cybersecurity risks that expose consumers to malware and data theft.
In a statement released on December 31, 2025, it said a special stakeholder committee, led by the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, will combine the ministry, the National Communications Authority, pay-TV giant Multichoice Ghana, and the Cybersecurity Authority to clamp down on illegal operations.
“The Committee, comprising representatives from the MoCDTI, NCA and Multichoice, is collaborating with other agencies, including the Cybersecurity Authority, to curb internet streaming piracy of pay TV content, which causes loss of tax revenue, loss of revenue to the creative industry and increases consumer security risks to malware and phishing schemes,” the statement said.
This government action follows years of escalating complaints from filmmakers across Ghana and West Africa, who have seen their works illegally broadcast, sometimes within hours of release.
Movie Piracy on Ghanaian TV: How long will it take to stop?
In an earlier interview, Ghanaian filmmaker Selassie Ibrahim recently disclosed she is actively “dealing with” five specific Ghanaian TV stations that allegedly pirated her movie.
Nigerian-Ghanaian director Pascal Amanfo expressed his frustration in November 2025 after a local station aired his film just seven hours after its YouTube premiere.
Ghanaian actress Xandy Kamel was moved to tears in July 2025 when Fast TV aired her movie “Unseen Beauty” without permission, just two days after its release.
In April 2025, the National Film Authority (NFA) issued a stern warning to television stations, threatening licence suspension or revocation for the unauthorised broadcasting of creative works.
Despite previous warnings from the NFA and promises of action from government officials, filmmakers have complained that enforcement has been weak, with piracy continuing largely unchecked.
DSTV Packages update
Alongside the anti-piracy announcement, the NCA provided an update on the revised DSTV subscription packages that took effect on October 1, 2025.
The regulator confirmed that the new packages “were duly implemented as announced and REMAIN IN FORCE,” reporting a “significant increase in subscriptions” following the changes.
The ministerial committee that oversaw the DSTV pricing review will remain active, continuing its engagements to ensure market fairness and the success of the new anti-piracy initiative.
“The Working Group will continue its engagements to ensure our mutual commitments to the objectives are attained,” the NCA stated.
ID/AE
