From L to R: Ruth Kadiri, Bimbo Ademoye and Omoni Oboli
A growing wave of discontent is building up among some popular Nollywood filmmakers over the unauthorised use of their films by some Ghanaian television stations.
In recent times, some popular Nigerian actresses and filmmakers such as Ruth Kadiri, Bimbo Ademoye and Omoni Oboli have taken to social media to publicly rant about the piracy of their creative works in Ghana.
This article examines the concerns of these three filmmakers and explores why their issues have garnered significant attention.
Ruth Kadiri
Some time in September 2023, Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ruth Kadiri did not hold back her criticism of some Ghanaian TV station that aired her work without permission.
In a video she shared on her social media, she expressed deep disappointment over what she described as blatant piracy.
“I love the country as a whole but I am very disappointed that a major TV station in Ghana would go on my platform, rip my contents apart, show it on TV like they have the license to do that,” Ruth Kadiri lamented.
Bimbo Ademoye
Bimbo Ademoye is the most recent figure to spotlight the issue of Ghanaian TV stations pirating Nigerian movies.
It is her vocal outcry that has finally brought the long-overlooked concern into the lime light.
In the viral video that ignited what has now become a global conversation, Bimbo made a passionate plea, called for intervention from industry stakeholders and issued strong warnings as she expressed her frustration over the situation.
“That TV station in Ghana, I’m talking to you, don’t show my movies. I haven’t given you permission. Before, I used to say, ‘at least come to me, let’s discuss and share’ but now, I don’t want your money. Don’t show my movies,” some of her statements contained.
Omoni Oboli
Actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli had repeatedly raised concerns about Ghanaian TV stations pirating her works, even before her colleague Bimbo’s recent outbursts.
After Bimbo’s concerns gained widespread attention, Omoni seized the opportunity to amplify her own grievances about the issue which she believes is rapidly evolving into an international intellectual property dispute.
In an Instagram post, Omoni Oboli revealed that her new film ‘Twin Deception’, which premiered on her official YouTube channel, was broadcasted by a Ghanaian TV station on the same day without her knowledge or consent.
“You see this issue of terrestrial Ghanaian TV stations showing our movies, it’s utterly shameful. My movie Twin Deception released on my YouTube channel on Friday was shown by TV stations same Friday! I’m going straight to the Ghanaian President this time cos this is now a disgrace!” she said.
AK/EB
