The Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO) is set to begin its first royalty distribution of 2026 on July 27, introducing a major transparency initiative aimed at rebuilding confidence among Ghanaian musicians and rights holders.

For years, many musicians have expressed frustration over royalty payments, often questioning how their earnings were calculated and why the amounts received appeared significantly lower than expected. The lack of detailed explanations surrounding royalty distributions frequently led to speculation, complaints and allegations that payments were influenced by factors other than actual music usage.

GHAMRO says it is now taking decisive steps to change that narrative.

Personalized Royalty Statements Introduced

For the first time, every beneficiary in the July 2026 distribution will receive a personalized royalty statement detailing exactly which quarters and revenue streams generated their earnings.

The move is intended to improve transparency by allowing composers, performers, producers and publishers to clearly understand how every pesewa of their royalties was calculated.

According to GHAMRO, transparency is now central to its operations, with creators demanding more than just payments—they want detailed accountability for how royalties are earned and distributed.

Technology Driving Fairer Royalty Distribution

GHAMRO says the latest improvements are supported by advanced international copyright management technologies that align with global best practices.

The organisation now uses:

• WIPO Connect for repertoire management.
• ACRCloud for broadcast monitoring.
• CIS-Net for international rights data exchange.
• CISAC standards for copyright administration.

These systems are designed to improve the accuracy of music tracking, strengthen royalty matching, enhance international collections and ensure creators receive royalties based on verified music usage.

GHAMRO believes technology has become the backbone of fair royalty distribution in today’s digital music economy.

GHS1.43 Million to Be Distributed

The upcoming distribution covers several royalty categories and periods.

The total amount to be distributed is GHS1,433,571.43, broken down as follows:

• Background Music Royalties (Q1 & Q2 2026): GHS500,000.00
• Digital Mechanical Royalties (mainly Q3 & Q4 2025): GHS706,149.55
• Digital Performance Royalties (mainly Q3 & Q4 2025): GHS160,641.88
• Live Performance Royalties (mainly Q3 & Q4 2025): GHS66,780.00

One of the standout figures in this year’s distribution is the highest individual royalty payment of GHS121,000, demonstrating the potential for significant earnings when music usage is accurately tracked and royalty collections improve.

Record Digital and International Collections

GHAMRO also announced that it has achieved its highest digital royalty collections and largest international royalty collections since the organisation was established in 2011.

The milestone reflects the growing importance of digital streaming platforms and international music usage in generating income for Ghanaian creators.

A Long Journey Toward Reform

Ghana’s royalty management system has evolved significantly over the years.

Before GHAMRO, royalties were managed by the Copyright Society of Ghana (COSGA). Prior to that, many Ghanaian musical works were administered through foreign collecting societies.

GHAMRO was established to create a more efficient, technology-driven copyright management system capable of protecting the interests of Ghanaian creators in an increasingly global music industry.

The organisation says its investment in digital monitoring systems, international data exchange and detailed royalty reporting demonstrates steady progress toward that vision.

Current leadership has also been praised for honouring its commitment to distribute royalties twice each year, despite operational challenges.

Licensing Challenges Still Remain

Despite the progress, GHAMRO acknowledges that one of its biggest challenges remains the unresolved issue surrounding its operating licence.

The prolonged licensing impasse continues to limit the organisation’s ability to maximize local royalty collections, reducing the amount available for musicians and other rights holders.

GHAMRO argues that businesses, broadcasters and commercial establishments that use music without paying the required licence fees are benefiting from creators’ work without fairly compensating them.

The organisation says the issue extends beyond copyright enforcement and has become an important economic concern affecting composers, performers, producers, publishers and Ghana’s wider creative industry.

It is calling on the Office of the Attorney General to resolve the licensing process as soon as possible, warning that continued delays could have significant financial consequences for Ghana’s music economy.

More Work Ahead

While applauding the progress made, GHAMRO believes there is still room for improvement.

The organisation says musicians require continuous education on royalty calculations, music registration and metadata management to ensure they maximize their earnings.

It also urged broadcasters and commercial music users to take licensing obligations more seriously while proposing regular stakeholder engagements, enhanced digital self-service platforms and faster resolution of royalty disputes to further strengthen confidence in the system.

Looking Ahead

GHAMRO says its latest royalty distribution marks a significant step toward building a more transparent and accountable royalty system for Ghana’s music industry.

With improved technology, record international collections, stronger digital revenue, personalized royalty statements and a top payout of GHS121,000, the organisation believes it is moving in the right direction.

However, it maintains that achieving a truly sustainable royalty ecosystem will require stronger government support, an effective licensing regime and greater compliance from businesses and broadcasters that benefit from the use of music.

According to GHAMRO, when creators are fairly rewarded for their work, the entire music industry—and Ghana’s creative economy—stands to benefit.

Source:Adomonline

Ms. Ramatu Gumah has been appointed Chairperson and Head of Africa Diaspora Relations for the Africa Development Council (ADC)  with the responsibility of leading the Council’s engagement with Africans in the diaspora and strengthening its international partnerships.

The appointment marks a significant milestone in the Council’s efforts to deepen collaboration between Africa and its global diaspora while advancing its vision of promoting sustainable development, economic transformation, diplomacy, and Pan-African integration.

ADC Appoints Ms Gumah-Chairperson-Pan Africa Affairs (1)

As Chairperson and Head of Africa Diaspora Relations, Ms. Gumah will report directly to the President of the Africa Development Council and provide strategic leadership for one of the organisation’s key departments. Her mandate includes developing and implementing initiatives that foster stronger relationships between the Council and diaspora communities, governments, development institutions, diplomatic missions, and international organisations across the world.

In her new role, she will spearhead ADC’s diplomatic and international engagement strategy, working closely with embassies, high commissions, and global institutions to expand the Council’s footprint and strengthen cooperation on issues affecting Africa and its diaspora.

Her responsibilities also extend to promoting the Council’s interests through engagement with multilateral organisations such as the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU), Africa’s Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the European Union (EU), and other international partners. Through these engagements, she is expected to facilitate dialogue, encourage strategic partnerships, and advance initiatives that support Africa’s development priorities.

A key aspect of Ms. Gumah’s portfolio will be facilitating international trade and business negotiations, encouraging investment partnerships, and creating opportunities for economic collaboration between African countries, the diaspora, and global stakeholders. The Council believes these efforts will contribute to attracting investment, promoting entrepreneurship, supporting innovation, and enhancing economic opportunities across the continent.

Beyond diplomacy and international relations, Ms. Gumah has also been tasked with overseeing grant proposal development and resource mobilisation initiatives aimed at strengthening the sustainability of the Africa Development Council. She will coordinate efforts to secure funding from development agencies, philanthropic organisations, international institutions, and strategic partners to support programmes that advance education, youth empowerment, women’s leadership, cultural preservation, entrepreneurship, and community development.

Working in close collaboration with the Council’s Protocol Department, Ms. Gumah will further enhance ADC’s international visibility through strategic communications, public diplomacy, institutional branding, and stakeholder engagement. Her office will play an instrumental role in coordinating high-level meetings, international conferences, investment forums, and cultural exchange programmes that project the Council’s vision and mission to the global community.

The appointment reflects the Africa Development Council’s confidence in Ms. Gumah’s leadership, professional experience, and ability to build meaningful partnerships that advance the organisation’s Pan-African agenda. Her extensive background in stakeholder engagement, cultural diplomacy, leadership, and international collaboration is expected to strengthen the Council’s efforts to unite Africans across borders and create opportunities for shared growth and development.

According to the Council, the Africa Diaspora Relations Department will serve as a strategic bridge between the continent and millions of Africans living abroad, recognising the critical role the diaspora plays in driving investment, innovation, knowledge transfer, advocacy, and sustainable development.

ADC believes that stronger engagement with diaspora communities will contribute significantly to the continent’s socioeconomic transformation by promoting collaboration in sectors such as trade, technology, tourism, education, healthcare, culture, and the creative economy.

The Council further noted that Ms. Gumah’s leadership will be instrumental in establishing long-term partnerships with governments, international development organisations, civil society groups, private-sector institutions, and diaspora associations that share the vision of a prosperous and globally competitive Africa.

Her appointment comes at a time when African institutions are placing greater emphasis on harnessing the expertise, influence, and resources of the diaspora to support the implementation of continental development priorities and strengthen Africa’s voice on the international stage.

As Chairperson and Head of Africa Diaspora Relations, Ms. Ramatu Gumah is expected to champion initiatives that foster unity, strengthen international cooperation, attract strategic investment, and build enduring partnerships that contribute to the advancement of Africa and its global diaspora.

The Africa Development Council expressed confidence that her appointment will further position the organisation as a leading Pan-African institution committed to promoting diplomacy, economic development, cultural exchange, and sustainable partnerships that benefit the continent and its people.

Fresh tensions have emerged within the family of late Ghanaian Highlife legend Daddy Lumba ahead of the first anniversary of his passing, as two rival factions disagree over who has the legitimate authority to organize activities in his memory.

The disagreement comes nearly a year after the celebrated musician, born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, died on July 26, 2025, and centers on the planned commemoration scheduled for July 26, 2026.

Tupac Announces Anniversary Plans

Victor Kofi Owusu, popularly known as Abusuapanyin Tupac, who previously served as the head of the Ekuona Family but whose leadership is currently being disputed, disclosed in an interview with veteran musician Slimbuster that preparations are underway to mark Daddy Lumba’s one-year anniversary.

According to him, the planned activities will not only commemorate the late Highlife icon but will also include the performance of traditional customary rites for Odo Broni, Daddy Lumba’s widow, who observed customary widowhood rites following the singer’s death.

Tupac insisted that he would not allow anyone to interfere with either the anniversary celebration or the customary rites, saying he believes similar disruptions occurred during Daddy Lumba’s burial.

He stressed that no individual or group would be permitted to disrupt the scheduled events and maintained that the commemoration would proceed as planned.

“I will not allow such incidents to happen again, where people come and disrupt our activities. Anyone who is ready for us to work together is welcome, but if you’re not, don’t make any attempt to interfere. I will not allow someone who is not part of the family to appear out of nowhere and threaten me or anyone else. I am not afraid of anyone,” he warned.

Tupac further stated that no one would be allowed to tarnish the reputation of the family he claims to lead, insisting that no individual or group could stop the planned anniversary celebration.

He also appealed to Daddy Lumba’s sister, Ernestina Fosu, the late musician’s wife Akosua Serwaa, and other family members whom he believes oppose him to put aside their differences and unite in honour of the music legend.

According to him, the family should come together to celebrate Daddy Lumba’s legacy and allow him to rest in peace.

Rival Family Faction Rejects His Claims

However, another faction of the family, led by Nana Kwabena Brefo, who is recognized by members of the Ekuona Family as their current head, has rejected Tupac’s claims.

The group argued that Tupac has been removed from his former position and therefore has no authority to organize or promote any event in Daddy Lumba’s name without the approval of the recognized family leadership.

The faction further maintained that, as far as they are concerned, no one is authorized to use Daddy Lumba’s name, image, likeness or initials, including “DL,” for any unauthorized event or promotional activity.

Consequently, they insist that the one-year anniversary celebration Tupac claims will take place on July 26, 2026, has neither been sanctioned nor approved by the family and therefore should not go ahead.

The family also questioned how such an anniversary event could be organized when, according to them, they have not disclosed the exact location where Daddy Lumba was buried.

In a statement, the faction urged the public to disregard reports circulating online that an official one-year anniversary celebration had been planned.

“We have come across reports online claiming that a one-year anniversary celebration for Daddy Lumba is being planned for July 26, 2026. However, the family has not made any such arrangements. We urge the public to disregard those claims, as they are misleading.”

Nana Kwabena Brefo further stated that Wofa Opoku and Ernestina Bremponmaa, whom he described as Daddy Lumba’s immediate family members, have not planned any anniversary event.

He added that the matter remains before the courts, making it impossible to organize an official one-year remembrance ceremony at this time.

Daddy Lumba’s Passing

Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, passed away on the morning of July 26, 2025, at The Bank Hospital in Cantonments, Accra, after a short illness.

The legendary Highlife musician was laid to rest at Heroes Park at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi following his state-assisted funeral rites held in December 2025.