CELEBRATED Ghanaian filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso has, in a heartfelt declaration, emphasised a crisis that threatens the very heartbeat of the nation’s creative industry– rampant piracy and copyright infringement.

Piracy and copyright violation continue to cripple the creative sector, discouraging innovation and stifling the momentum of filmmakers who invest heavily both financially and emotionally into their work.

Speaking to Graphic Showbiz at the premiere of her debut stage play, Honeymoon Hotel, hosted at the National Theatre on June 20, 2025, she passionately revealed how these issues are seriously hindering creativity and innovation in Ghana.

She said it was long overdue for Ghana to take piracy and breach of copyright seriously, noting that the continuous exploitation of creative content without permission or compensation was not only discouraging but harmful to the sustainability of the industry.

“It’s absolutely devastating. Imagine pouring your heart and soul into a project for months or even years, only to have it snatched away the moment it’s released. How are we supposed to survive like this? 

“Piracy doesn’t just steal films; it extinguishes the passion behind them, discouraging their journey and dreams and sends a chilling message to creators: ‘Don’t bother trying’. That’s the reality for many of us”, she lamented.

According to Ms Frimpong-Manso, it threatens the entire ecosystem of the creative sector, choking off potential jobs and stunting the growth of a film economy.

Acknowledging the strides made by Ghanaian filmmakers over the years, she stressed that the road ahead requires one critical element—the protection of intellectual property. 

“We’ve talked about this for years. We’ve had enough discussions; we need real, enforceable action! This isn’t just a plea; it’s a necessity. Protecting our creative works must be a priority for our authorities,” she said. 

For Ms Frimpong-Manso, the call to action doesn’t end with the government. She implores the public to reflect on their own consumption habits. (Read Film, theatre collabo key to industry growth –Shirley Frimpong - Manso)

 “Every time you choose pirated content, you’re undermining not just filmmakers but the entire community of artists, technicians, and storytellers who give so much to create meaningful experiences. Piracy robs us all.”

She paints a hopeful picture by encouraging Ghanaians to rally behind their own creative voices, extending the same enthusiasm they give to foreign productions.