Prevalence and Causes of Software Piracy among Tertiary Students in Ghana

Abstract

In the era of the Knowledge Economy, Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) have become a crucial aspect of the twenty-first-century environment. Software piracy, characterized by the unauthorized copying, downloading, sharing, selling, or installation of copyrighted software, remains a serious problem worldwide, and Ghana is no exception. Various forms of software piracy, such as software lifting, hard disk loading, counterfeiting, and unauthorized renting, are prevalent in the country, leading to negative economic consequences. These consequences include distorted competition, loss of tax revenue and jobs due to the absence of a legitimate market, and increased costs for recovery. The impact of software piracy affects the social well-being of the Ghanaian citizenry. This research aims to explore the causes and effects of software piracy in Ghana, especially among tertiary students, and proposes potential solutions. A quantitative survey design was used via an online questionnaire to collect data from a sample of 47 students in the tertiary institutions especially public universities in Ghana with backgrounds in IT and are familiar with evolving trends in IT. The findings revealed that software piracy is prevalent in the country as a result of a lack of awareness, poor economic conditions, and weak legal framework and/or enforcement. The study recommends increased public education and awareness, strict enforcement of laws related to software piracy, and the promotion of domestic software development as measures to address the menace.