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The CEO of the Ghana Rights Organization (GHAMRO), Abraham Adjetey has urged Ghanaian reggae/dancehall artiste Stonebwoy to update his records since his claim that he received GH$2000 as royalties may not be entirely true.
Stonebwoy in an interview with Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Paapa Owusu Ankomah revealed to the shock of all that he has only received a paltry GH$2000 as royalties from GHAMRO.
In fact, the “Putuu” hitmaker lamented by stating that GHAMRO will need to up their game if indeed they are concerned about the welfare of artists and the proper monetization of their intellectual property.
“The most I’ve ever received in music royalties in Ghana is ¢2,000.” I’m being truthful, and I swear on my mother’s grave. They don’t pay us, and I’m saying this in front of the camera. The topic is hot in Ghana, and everyone is aware of it.”
“The only cheque I’ve ever received from GHAMRO is for $2,000.00. It is not compelled to go on a tour and perform if it is not required. However, as musicians, we do not profit from our intellectual property.
But in a sharp reaction to the claim by the BHIM Nation president, GHMARO has urged him to update his records since his claim that he has received only GH¢2000 in royalties may not be entirely true.
“We sent Stonebwoy a thousand, then another thousand, which is why he mentioned 2,000. He is now responsible for following up and updating his records.”
“If you have money for Stonebwoy today and I don’t have his bank account information, where should I send it? If there is money for Stonebwoy, it will be in GHAMRO’s accounts.”
“According to the website of the royalties collection agency, it is a non-profit corporate body (limited by guarantee), and thus all fees collected are distributed among the right owners whose works have been used, in this case, composers, authors, and producers, and publishers in proportion to the use made of their works.”
“Recently, we had a meeting with him, and he indicated that he would send someone. In fact, we took some pictures outside, but no one has returned to date.”
Abraham Adjetey believes that because musicians and content creators want to profit from their intellectual property, they should also recognize that Ghana’s economy is not as developed as that of other Western countries.
He believes that digitization will aid in addressing current challenges, but that a gradual transition is also necessary. According to him, GHAMRO is only allowed to hold 30 per cent of the stock.
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