GHAMRO To Soon Embark On Name And Shame Action.

The National Coordinator of the Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMPRO), Mr. Yaw Osborn, has said the association is set to name and shame companies that do not pay tax or dues to them for using their artworks (musics).

According to Osborn, the current copyright act, which was introduced in 2004, no longer meets the needs of today’s creative industry.

“The laws we are using to govern the music industry are old and outdated.

“It is imperative that we review and modernize the copyright law to reflect the realities of today’s industry”. He said.

Mr. Osborn also highlighted the negative impact that social media has had on the Ghanaian music industry, especially in terms of revenue generation.

“While social media provides exposure, it has not been financially beneficial to most musicians.

Out of hundreds of people whose music is online, only a handful benefit.

Social media has come to benefit the world, but not the music industry, he stated, underscoring the need for structural change in the way music business is conducted in the digital age.

He made this known during the media launch of Gospel music legend, Augustina Addison’s 40 years journey in the Ghana Music industry in Kumasi today.

The theme for the anniversary celebration, “40 Years of Grace: The Journey of God’s Faithfulness”, reflects the artist’s personal testimony of resilience and divine favor.

The anniversary, set to climax on October 11, 2026, will be a special occasion of thanksgiving and reflection on God’s unwavering faithfulness throughout her journey.

He therefore stated equivocally that GHAMRO is now left with no other option than to name and shame the media houses that fail to pay tax or dues to the association as per the copyright laws establish.

In her address at the media launch, Mrs. Augustina Addison, a celebrated figure in gospel music, expressed deep gratitude for the grace that has carried her this far.

“Today is a day the Lord has made, and we rejoice and are glad in it.

Standing here today marks a milestone that only the hand of God could have orchestrated, she said. W’ayemye Nti – It is because of His goodness that I am here today.

Addison emphasized that this moment is not just about celebrating the past but also about rededicating her gifts to the next generation of gospel musicians and believers.

“This celebration is not only about looking back but a re-dedication of my talent to serve God’s purpose for the future, she remarked.

Addison, who has served as a member of GHAMRO (Ghana Music Rights Organization) for two consecutive terms, also took the opportunity to voice concerns about the protection of music as intellectual property.

She revealed her frustration with the widespread unauthorized use of music in the industry, likening it to theft.

When I hear that people are using our music inappropriately, it hits me deeply because using someone’s intellectual property without consent is no different from robbery, she said.

Many of my songs have been copied without permission, and that’s not right.

Story by Bismark Mensah@A/R.