Accra, June 28, GNA - The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), has expressed its gratitude to President John Agyekum Kufuor for giving his assent to the Copyright Law, Act 690, which replaces the Copyright Law of 1985 (PNDCL 110).
A statement in Accra on Tuesday, signed by the President of the Union, Alhaji Sidiku Buari, also expressed appreciation to Parliament for taking the Bill through the various stages of approval.
It noted, however, that the passage of the Copyright Law was long overdue since many Musicians had either died out of poverty or "have been condemned to a life of destitution".
MUSIGA expressed the hope that the new law would not only reverse this "dehumanising" trend but also ensure that musicians got the due reward for their labour.
The statement urged musicians, producers, disc jockeys, the Police and the public not to be complacent with the introduction of the Copyright Law but to join forces to eliminate piracy in the music industry.
It stated that, "Music can be a revenue spinning industry for musicians and the nation at large if all work together to enforce the Copyright Law".
Meanwhile preparation have started for the staging of a MUSIGA live band programme dubbed "Keep It Real" on 1st September this year. Under the programme, MUSIGA would mount its musical instruments free of charge to its members at the headquarters of the Union for them to be supervised by renowned musicians to develop their talents. 28 June 05
