Unauthorized Broadcasts Despite Cease and Desist Notices
In a detailed Instagram post, Ibrahim revealed that some of her films, originally uploaded to her official YouTube channel, Juliet Ibrahim Studios, have been pirated and repeatedly aired by Ghanaian TV stations—including Pemsan TV—without her consent. Despite multiple cease and desist letters and direct communication from her legal team, these networks have continued to exploit her work.
“As an independent filmmaker, actress, director, and producer, I find it extremely disheartening to witness the blatant disregard for intellectual property rights,” she wrote. “Despite our efforts to resolve this amicably, these stations have ignored our calls and refused to do the right thing.”
A Wider African Problem
Ibrahim emphasized that piracy is not just a Ghanaian issue but a continental challenge stifling the growth of Africa’s creative economy. She expressed solidarity with Nigerian actresses Omoni Oboli and Bimbo Ademoye, who have also spoken out against the unauthorized use of their films.
“This is not just a Nigerian issue; it is an African issue,” she stated. “As a Ghanaian, I am ashamed that our local media houses are playing a central role in such unethical and illegal activities.”
The Economic Toll of Piracy
Piracy doesn’t just affect filmmakers—it undermines the entire production chain, from actors and editors to camera operators and distributors. Ibrahim stressed that intellectual property theft discourages investment in the industry, limits job opportunities, and devalues the hard work of creatives.
“Piracy is a crime. Exploiting someone’s hard-earned intellectual property is theft,” she said. “It undermines years of investment, creativity, and the livelihoods of everyone involved.”
Call to Action: Government and Regulatory Bodies Must Intervene
Ibrahim called on key authorities—including the National Communications Authority (NCA), Ghana Copyright Office, National Film Authority, Ghana Police Service, and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture —to take immediate action.
“We need robust regulation and enforcement to protect content creators and restore the dignity of our film industry,” she urged. “This behavior brings disgrace not only to the perpetrators but also to the nation of Ghana as a whole, which should be a beacon of excellence in arts and culture.”
The Way Forward
The recurring issue of piracy highlights the urgent need for stricter copyright enforcement and public awareness campaigns on intellectual property rights. Industry stakeholders argue that without legal consequences, unethical practices will continue to hinder the growth of Africa’s film and creative sectors.
As more African creatives like Ibrahim speak out, pressure mounts on governments and regulatory bodies to implement lasting solutions. The question remains: Will Ghana and other African nations take decisive steps to protect their artists, or will piracy continue to erode the continent’s creative potential?
For now, Ibrahim’s bold stance serves as both a rallying cry and a wake-up call—a demand for respect, fairness, and justice in Africa’s evolving entertainment landscape.