Nollywood heavyweight Mercy Johnson-Okojie has lit up the digital space with a fiery call-out against Ghana’s Blazing TV for airing her latest film, The Firstborn, without her consent, just 24 hours after its official premiere.
In a direct and emotional social media post, Mercy wrote:“Blazing TV in Ghana is showing my movie THE FIRSTBORN on their TV without my consent. How does this even make sense? How?”
The actor’s outcry has not only triggered widespread support but also reawakened a critical conversation about intellectual property theft across African borders.
Less Than 24 Hours, and Piracy Struck
The Firstborn, Mercy Johnson’s much-anticipated family drama, debuted on July 17, 2025. By the following day, fans alerted her to its unauthorized broadcast on Ghana’s Blazing TV through screenshots and DMs.
What was meant to be a celebratory release turned into a moment of violation—an all-too-familiar experience for African filmmakers.
A Pattern Across Borders
Mercy is not alone. Fellow Nollywood stars Bimbo Ademoye, Omoni Oboli, and Juliet Ibrahim have all previously raised similar concerns about Ghanaian broadcasters airing their works without a license or agreement. The rise in such unauthorized broadcasts has exposed a glaring gap in cross-border media regulation and IP enforcement in West Africa.
In 2024, Bimbo Ademoye had even called on Ghana’s Ministry of Communication and the National Film Authority (NFA) to investigate similar infringements. Yet, the cycle persists.
The Bigger Problem: Pirates in Broad Daylight
This isn’t a leak from some shady torrent site—it’s happening on legitimate satellite and terrestrial TV platforms. The problem? Many regional broadcasters sidestep licensing protocols, assuming they will face little or no consequence.
“It’s wickedness,” one fan wrote.
“You release a movie today, they air it tomorrow without shame,” said another.
Ghana’s Authorities Respond
Amidst mounting pressure, Ghanaian Member of Parliament Sam George and the NFA’s CEO, Kafui Danku, have pledged to take firmer action against TV stations that air copyrighted films illegally. They’ve warned that licenses may be revoked, and fines or legal prosecution could follow for repeat offenders.
What’s at Stake?
For Creators Like Mercy Johnson:
Financial Loss: Production, marketing, and distribution efforts are undermined.
Diminished Rights: Creators lose control over how, where, and when their work is seen.
Lack of Accountability: With weak enforcement mechanisms, perpetrators often go unpunished.
For the Industry:
It discourages investment in quality film production.
It weakens audience trust in legitimate distribution channels.
It stalls the growth of African cinema on the global stage.
Public Solidarity: The Voices of the People
Social media has exploded in Mercy’s defense: “Mercy my love, don’t mind them—Ghanaians just love Nigerian movies!”
“I’ve noticed this since last year. They air these movies without delay or shame!”
Fans and stakeholders alike are demanding that the region’s regulatory bodies not just speak, but act.
Quick Recap:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Film | The Firstborn by Mercy Johnson |
| Premiere Date | July 17, 2025 |
| Unauthorized Broadcast | Aired by Blazing TV in Ghana on July 18, 2025 |
| Mercy’s Reaction | Outcry on Instagram and Facebook |
| Wider Pattern | Similar cases with Ademoye, Oboli, Ibrahim |
| Authorities Involved | MP Sam George, NFA CEO Kafui Danku |
| Next Steps | Potential legal action, tighter enforcement, regulatory reviews |
