China's StarTimes in Ghana is warning broadcasters and the public in the West African country over illegal broadcasting piracy of Ghana Premier League matches, saying broadcasters are not allowed to steal and rebroadcast matches, that rebroadcasting on social media is illegal, and that even radio commentary of matches are not allowed either.
"'StarTimes is by this communique calling on all media houses to desist from broadcasting the Ghana Premier League matches without the requisite license," says Akofa Djankui, StarTimes Ghana head of marketing in a press statement.
''As the official broadcaster of the Ghana Premier League and other GFA products, we hold the exclusive rights to the airing of the content live on radio, television and online streaming."
"'StarTimes is aware that a number of media houses run commentary on radio and use unauthorized viewing systems (websites/Facebook) to stream the matches live. 'This practice of airing matches without any license from the official broadcaster infringes on the broadcaster's right."
''StarTimes together with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) will take strong and active measures towards the enforcement of our copyright and will pursue criminal and civil actions against any media house and journalist who supply unauthorized footage and audio commentary from the various matches.''
