The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and the Copyright Office have reaffirmed their commitment to stronger collaboration to address critical challenges affecting Ghana’s music ecosystem—chief among them, royalty distribution delays and ongoing operational dysfunction within the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO).
During a high-level stakeholder meeting on 2 June 2025, leaders from MUSIGA and senior officials at the Copyright Office discussed strategies to improve transparency, enhance legal structures, and restore faith in the nation’s copyright and royalty administration systems.
The discussions highlighted persistent royalty disbursement delays, which have left many musicians struggling financially. According to MUSIGA President Bessa Simons, over 80% of Ghanaian musicians are registered with GHAMRO, yet inconsistencies in royalty payments remain a major issue that directly affects livelihoods.
“Musicians rely heavily on royalties as a source of income,” Simons said. “Resolving these bottlenecks is not just administrative; it’s a matter of economic justice.”
The meeting also addressed legal disputes plaguing GHAMRO, including contentions around election procedures, leadership transitions, and constitutional discrepancies. These issues have led to multiple court cases, further stalling the organisation’s ability to serve its members effectively.
Director of the Copyright Office, Mr William Akwetey Bonsu, clarified that while many stakeholders have called for interim leadership at GHAMRO, only the courts are legally empowered to impose such changes. He emphasized that the Attorney General’s office must act strictly within the bounds of the law to avoid undermining due process.
To resolve the current deadlock, participants proposed that neutral mediators or respected elders within the industry facilitate open dialogue among conflicting parties. Mr Bonsu strongly urged stakeholders to withdraw legal actions and embrace structured negotiations to protect the sector from further reputational and financial damage.
“The Copyright Office will continue to maintain its neutrality and offer guidance to ensure that judicial timelines are followed,” Bonsu said. “Constructive engagement is the only way forward.”
He also stressed the importance of deeper collaboration between MUSIGA and the Copyright Office to uphold copyright laws, protect musicians’ rights, and foster a thriving creative sector.
Mr Simons used the occasion to brief participants on MUSIGA’s ongoing efforts, including capacity-building workshops focused on digital innovation and live band performance development.
He also announced the Union’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, which will include signature events such as the Authentic Highlife Nights in July, the She Rhythms Ghana Festival in December, and the long-anticipated Presidential Grand Ball, returning for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key figures at the meeting included MUSIGA General Secretary S.K. Agyemang, Administrator Vida Obeng Kwarteng Asante, and Samuel Awuku Djakete, Principal Research Officer at the Copyright Office.
Together, MUSIGA and the Copyright Office are now poised to lead a renewed push for reform and transparency in Ghana’s music rights ecosystem—an effort many hope will restore credibility and sustainability to the industry.
