The Ghanaian film industry is under siege, and one of its most outspoken voices, veteran filmmaker Selassie Ibrahim, is not holding back. In a bold move, she’s declared war on five TV stations she claims are pirating her work, vowing to make them the poster children for accountability. But here’s where it gets controversial: while she points the finger at these stations for ‘killing’ the industry, she also challenges her fellow filmmakers to step up their game. In a recent interview on Joy Prime TV, Ibrahim didn’t mince words, highlighting the paradox of a system where local content is undervalued yet swiftly stolen.
Ibrahim’s frustration is palpable. She explains that as soon as her films hit YouTube, these stations allegedly snatch them up within minutes, leaving little room for legitimate distribution. ‘Ghanaians won’t watch what we produce, but they’ll steal it in an instant,’ she laments, adding that she’s ready to take a stand against these five stations. ‘I’m making examples out of them,’ she warns, her tone both defiant and determined. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about piracy—it’s about a deeper systemic issue where TV stations prioritize cheap, dubbed foreign content over homegrown talent.
Here’s the kicker: Ibrahim argues that these same stations, after profiting from pirated or foreign content, turn around and declare the Ghanaian film industry ‘dead.’ She questions, ‘Are they not the ones killing it?’ Her critique extends to the industry’s reliance on outdated foreign films, often dubbed in Twi, instead of investing in local productions. ‘We can create quality content here,’ she asserts, challenging the narrative that Ghana lacks the capability.
When asked why TV stations don’t approach local producers, Ibrahim reveals a harsh reality: they’re hooked on buying cheap, already-profitable content from countries like Spain and Nigeria. ‘They’re used to the easy route,’ she explains, emphasizing that this cycle undermines local creativity and sustainability.
But here’s the controversial question: Are TV stations the sole villains, or is the industry’s struggle a shared responsibility? Ibrahim’s stance is clear, but what do you think? Is piracy the root of the problem, or is it a symptom of a larger issue? Let’s spark a conversation—share your thoughts in the comments below. Watch the full interview to hear more of her unfiltered perspective and decide for yourself where the blame truly lies.
