THE STATE OF ROYALTIES IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IN GHANA

Abstract

Royalty collection and distribution are very important so far as ownership of creative works is concerned. Similarly, there is an upsurge of pirating of music productions in Ghana. These acts present a challenge for most musicians, especially, those who do not have any education on royalties; its collection and distribution as far as economic advantage of their creative works is concerned. This paper investigates the state of royalties in the music industry in Ghana and highlights some of the factors responsible for pirating many music productions in Ghana. Interview was used to garner data from three (3) purposively sampled members of Ghana Music Right Organization (GHAMRO). It was revealed that the extent of royalty payment law enforced in Ghana is minimal and the Ghana music right organization is the body licensed by the government for the collection and distribution of royalties. However, this body is constrained with software and log-in systems to enable them enforce the law in Ghana for the collections and distributions of royalties. It is envisaged that when the Ghana music right organization is resourced with the needed apparatus, all musicians will be educated to register with the organization so as to receive royalties that would reduce the rate of pirating of such property in Ghana.