Mercy Johnson-Okojie Sparks IP Debate over Unauthorised Broadcast of “The Firstborn”
Nollywood veteran Mercy Johnson-Okojie has sounded the alarm over what she claims is a copyright violation by Ghanaian broadcaster Blazing TV, which allegedly aired her film “The Firstborn” without consent. Taking to Instagram, the actress expressed disbelief and deep frustration, describing the act as a blatant infringement of her intellectual property rights.
Mercy’s post comes amid a string of similar grievances from Nigerian filmmakers, suggesting a troubling pattern of unauthorised content use by foreign media outlets, particularly in Ghana. The complaints have sparked conversations across the Nollywood industry about stronger enforcement of copyright laws and cross-border licensing agreements.
In her message, Mercy Johnson-Okojie appealed to stakeholders to recognise the value of creative work and the importance of respecting licensing frameworks, noting that such breaches undermine the financial viability of Nigeria’s thriving film industry.
This unfolding drama offers a clarion call for regional IP reform. Creative professionals and policymakers across Africa must now confront the reality that IP laws are often poorly enforced across borders, leaving films, music, and other digital works vulnerable to exploitation.
This incident amplifies the urgency of developing continental legal frameworks and cooperative enforcement mechanisms. For creatives operating across African borders, the protection of films, music, and digital works remains precarious without robust systems that ensure mutual recognition of copyright laws and swift legal recourse.