Ghana is awaiting clearance from the Attorney-General’s Department before implementing measures to strengthen enforcement against content piracy and illegal streaming, says Samuel Nartey George, the country’s minister for communication, digital technology and innovations.
George addressed the media on Monday, alongside representatives of Canal+, to update stakeholders on joint efforts to tackle piracy.
The National Communications Authority and the Cyber Security Authority have reviewed proposed measures to curb piracy, but implementation is awaiting legal clearance.
George said the government was preparing to step up enforcement, including measures to block IP addresses used for illegal streaming.
“So, we are happy to be awaiting the opinion of the Attorney-General’s Department. Technically, the two regulators have reviewed the proposed solutions to curb piracy. Those solutions are viable and tenable, and we believe they will significantly reduce incidents of piracy,” George said.
“Like I said, the real clampdown is about to begin. We’re making sure that we’ve dotted all our i’s and crossed all our t’s to ensure that, once you’re blocking IPs (internet protocols) used for streaming and all that, there are legal ramifications for it,” he added.
“We just need the Attorney-General’s all-clear. Technically, we’re good to go. We just want to make sure that we’re legally good,” George said.
The minister said consumers using illicit streaming services could raise concerns about service availability once the measures take effect.
The proposed enforcement measures come as broadcasters seek stronger protection for licensed content and the revenue that supports its production and distribution.
ITWeb Africa has previously reported on Canal+ and LALIGA’s co-ordinated anti-piracy efforts across multiple markets.
At the briefing, Canal+ announced that it would replace its six DStv packages with four streamlined monthly packages from the first week of November 2026.
The new packages will cost between GH¢50 (approximately US$4.30) and GH¢570 (approximately US$49.03), compared with current prices ranging from GH¢58 (approximately US$4.99) to GH¢854 (approximately US$73.46).
Dr Keabetswe Modimoeng, group executive for regulatory and corporate affairs at Canal+ welcomed the government’s intervention.
“We are equally pleased that our call for the fight against piracy is a top priority. It is really heart-warming because, in its simplest form, piracy steals and takes away livelihoods,” he said.
Modimoeng added: “Whenever content is pirated, money and food are taken out of the mouths of beneficiaries, producers, actors, costume designers, make-up artists and everyone involved in the enterprise. We are indeed pleased with that priority."
Ghana’s anti-piracy efforts come amid wider disputes across African markets over pay-TV affordability, subscription pricing and content protection. ITWeb Africa has previously reported on calls for Canal+ to reduce DStv prices in other markets, including Zambia.
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