Music Industry concern about piracy

Accra, Feb. 15, GNA - The Record Producers and Music Publishers Association of Ghana (REPPAGh) on Wednesday expressed concern about the high level of piracy of music works in the country.

It has, therefore, asked stakeholders in the music industry to continue to lobby government and agencies to recognize the threat posed to the society and the country's economy from intellectual property crime.

In a statement signed by Puduo-Nana Richard Oppong-Mensah, REPPAGH General Secretary, the producers said music piracy remained a very lucrative, relatively low risks criminal activity that continues to attract both organized crime groups and low-level operators like internet caf=E9 operators.

The Association urged members to remain committed and to work with government, the police and customs to fight music piracy. The statement, which explored current trends in the music industry, also touched on the failure of composers to use seasoned music producers, saying reliance on rich individuals to produce and promote the music industry had led to the production of music with incorrect notes and horrible timing.

REPPAGh is also not happy with manufacturing studios which reproduced songs in commercial quantities without reference to the producer's union or the Copyright Society of Ghana to establish the fact about the original owner of the song.

The Association called for an update in the legal rights of record producers to enable them institute court proceedings against infringements.

"Loopholes that allow piracy criminals to go free must be closed. The internet and other digital activities may need new legislations to cover existing rules."