Renowned filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso has issued a sobering warning about the destructive impact of piracy and copyright abuse on Ghana’s creative industry, describing it as a silent crisis draining the lifeblood from local innovation.
At the premiere of her debut stage play, Honeymoon Hotel, on June 20, 2025, at the National Theatre, Frimpong-Manso shared a raw and passionate critique of the systemic neglect plaguing intellectual property rights in the country.
“It’s absolutely devastating. Imagine pouring your heart and soul into a project for months or even years, only to have it snatched away the moment it’s released. How are we supposed to survive like this?” she told Graphic Showbiz.
Piracy, she argued, doesn’t just affect sales, it erodes morale and creative momentum.
“Piracy doesn’t just steal films; it extinguishes the passion behind them, discouraging their journey and dreams and sends a chilling message to creators: ‘Don’t bother trying’. That’s the reality for many of us,” she lamented.
According to Frimpong-Manso, this unchecked exploitation is not only damaging to individuals but also cripples the broader film ecosystem, costing jobs, revenue, and artistic advancement.
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She stressed that while Ghanaian filmmakers have made tremendous strides over the years, their progress is under siege due to a lack of protection for their work. For her, the era of endless dialogue must now give way to concrete policy reform.
“We’ve talked about this for years. We’ve had enough discussions; we need real, enforceable action! This isn’t just a plea; it’s a necessity. Protecting our creative works must be a priority for our authorities,” she urged.
However, her appeal didn’t stop at government action. Frimpong-Manso turned her attention to the public, calling on Ghanaians to examine the role they play in sustaining or sabotaging the industry.
“Every time you choose pirated content, you’re undermining not just filmmakers but the entire community of artists, technicians, and storytellers who give so much to create meaningful experiences. Piracy robs us all.”
She concluded with a call for solidarity, encouraging audiences to champion homegrown talent with the same energy they invest in international productions.
