Musicians to share GHC2.2 million royalties

The Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO), has started disbursing 2,224,000 being the outstanding royalties to musicians who are members for the month of December 2016.

Payment of the royalties which started Wednesday followed the receipt of the amount from the Bank of Ghana through the Registrar Generals Department.

“Notice is hereby given to all members that the Board in line with its mandate has approved the disbursement of funds as indicated below to settle the outstanding royalty payment due to members for December 2016 via mobile money, bank transfers and over the counter payments for the old, disabled and infirm members” it said.

“This means the amount being distributed is almost 20% more than what is statutorily required by the Regulations.

“To enable the Society improve on its collections and distribute higher royalties to members, the Board and Management of GHAMRO urge all music users such as Broadcasting Stations (Radio & TV),Telecommunication Operators, Banking & Other Financial Institutions, Hotels, Shopping Malls, Restaurants, Spinning Groups, Event Organisers, Offices, Hairdressing Salons, Barbering Shops and all other public places, to apply to GHAMRO for a licence to regularise their usage of musical works.

“Please note that failure to obtain a license for the use of music in public is unlawful and punishable under the copyright laws of Ghana”.