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Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson has strongly condemned a Ghanaian television station, Blazing TV, for airing her latest movie The Firstborn without proper authorization.
The film, which premiered recently, was reportedly broadcast on the station without any permission or licensing agreement in place a move that left the actress visibly outraged.
In an emotional post shared on her official Instagram page on Friday, July 19, 2025, Mercy Johnson expressed her disbelief at the level of audacity demonstrated by the station. She called out Blazing TV directly, demanding accountability and questioning the ethics behind their decision.
“Ghana, Blazing TV. How is this even ok? Blazing TV in Ghana is showing my movie, The Firstborn, on their TV without my consent. How does this even make sense? How?” she wrote. “I am speechless at the audacity of it all.”
Her post has since garnered widespread support from fans and fellow Nollywood stars, who also condemned the growing problem of copyright violations in West Africa. Johnson’s outcry isn’t isolated, as she joins a list of Nigerian filmmakers and actors who have been vocal about the illegal use of their intellectual property by foreign platforms, particularly in Ghana.
Omoni Oboli, another prominent figure in Nollywood, recently addressed a similar issue, warning Ghanaian stations against pirating YouTube-based Nigerian films. Although she emphasized her love for her Ghanaian audience, she described the persistent piracy as “shameful” and vowed to escalate the issue to Ghanaian authorities.
“We love Ghana, but this is disgraceful. You can’t just steal people’s work and act like it’s normal,” Oboli said during a recent live video. “I’ll take this up with your president if I have to.”
Also last year, actress Bolaji Ogunmola sounded the alarm on social media about widespread content theft across YouTube and digital platforms, which she said had caused severe setbacks in her career. “I’ve had enough. Every time I put out something, it’s stolen. I am ready for you all now,” she warned.
This wave of protests signals a growing frustration among Nigerian creatives who feel exploited by unregulated foreign broadcasters and online channels. They argue that such unauthorized airings not only deny them deserved royalties but also devalue the Nollywood industry by encouraging unchecked piracy.
Mercy Johnson’s movie, The Firstborn, has been praised for its gripping plot and strong performances. However, the controversy surrounding its illegal broadcast may now overshadow its early success unless justice is served and necessary legal action is taken.
Fans have since urged her to pursue the matter legally, tagging both Nigerian and Ghanaian copyright commissions in comments and reposts.
This incident sheds more light on the importance of cross-border copyright enforcement in the digital age. With Nollywood’s influence spreading across Africa, its stars and filmmakers are calling for a stronger protective framework to ensure their works are not misused under the guise of entertainment
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As the situation unfolds, many are watching to see if Blazing TV will issue a public apology or face legal consequences. Either way, Mercy Johnson’s stand sends a clear message Nollywood is done tolerating content theft.
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