Rex Omar received backlash for indicating that he and his organization might halt Afua Asantewaa Aduonum’s Sing-A-Thon event. The Chairman of the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO) faced criticism following his remarks on GTV’s morning show, with many accusing him of obstructing Asantewaa’s success. However, Omar clarified on Facebook that his intent was not to undermine her project but to ensure GHAMRO’s effective management of royalties.
Also Read: 2 remanded over fraudulent fundraising in the name of Akosombo dam spillage victims
He has since underscored the significance of artists taking proactive steps to safeguard their work and has highlighted GHAMRO’s role in ensuring equitable compensation for artists. In a recent interview with Kafui Dey on Ghana Television, Rex Omar asserted the potential cancellation of Afua Asantewaa Aduonum’s Guinness World Record Sing-A-Thon. He emphasized the need for Asantewaa to comply with copyright laws and secure the necessary permissions for the songs she plans to perform.
GHAMRO, established under Section 49 of the Copyright Law (Act 690 of 2005), is tasked with collecting and distributing royalties for music copyright holders in Ghana. Operating as a non-profit entity, GHAMRO ensures fair distribution of fees among composers, authors, producers, and publishers based on the usage of their works, as governed by L.I. 1962 of 2010.
Also Read: Police probe recruits over fake university certificates
To ensure the smooth continuation of her Guinness World Record Sing-A-Thon while respecting the rights of original creators, Afua Asantewaa has been urged to submit copies of all intended songs to GHAMRO, preventing potential copyright infringement issues. Rex Omar, a prominent figure in the music industry, emphasized the importance of respecting intellectual property rights and obtaining consent from rightful owners.
Here’s what he wrote: