Entertainment
Ded Buddy calls for urgent reforms in music industry
Ghanaian R&B singer and songwriter Eric Kwasi Turkson, better known by his stage name Ded Buddy or Cwesi, has called on the government to take action to improve the way the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO) operates.
His appeal follows mounting worries that, in spite of their music’s extensive distribution on numerous platforms, Ghanaian musicians are not being fairly compensated for their labour.
He revealed that after six months of their music being played on radio, television, and streaming services, many musicians only receive GH¢100 to GH¢200 in royalties.
“This is a crisis that threatens the survival of an industry that has the potential to generate significant revenue for our economy—it is not just an insult to the creative community,” he said.
He mentioned that Ghana has the talent and cultural clout to assert its legitimate share of the global music industry, which is worth billions of dollars.
He cautioned, though, that the nation runs the risk of missing out on economic opportunities in the absence of a transparent and effective Collective Management Organisation (CMO).
“Even though their music is widely consumed, the lack of proper rights management discourages investment, stifles growth, and forces many musicians into financial hardship,” he added.
For this reason, he demanded that CMO’s management be changed in order to guarantee equitable remuneration for all musicians, including producers and songwriters.
He emphasised how crucial it is to set up a functional CMO that ensures an open and fair distribution of profits.
Ded Buddy cited prosperous examples from nations like South Africa and Nigeria, whose music industries have flourished due to effective royalties collection and distribution.
“Ghana must not be abandoned,” he declared. Jobs for producers, engineers, marketers, event planners, and others are created by a flourishing music industry.
Additionally, it enhances the country’s standing as a centre of culture, drawing in foreign partnerships and tourists.
Ded Buddy added that organisations prepared to offer tracking systems for radio and television are part of the Alliance for Change in the Ghana Music Industry, of which he is a member, along with other important stakeholders.
The goals of these systems are to guarantee musicians receive just compensation and get rid of the inefficiencies that GHAMRO is currently experiencing.
Under the previous Attorney General, the Alliance pushed for a licence to establish a new CMO, but they haven’t seen any results yet. He called on the Attorney General and the President to step in and create a new, accountable, and transparent CMO that genuinely serves creatives.
He emphasised that while their creations benefit others, Ghana’s musicians, producers, and songwriters cannot be ignored any longer.
He declared, “This is a pivotal moment to address the injustice and put the music industry on a path to prosperity. To make this a reality, we are prepared to work with your office. Our music is an essential component of Ghana’s economic and cultural identity and serves as more than just entertainment. Let’s empower those who create it, so that it fulfils its proper function.”
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has launched Heritage Month to project the country’s rich culture and national identity.
The launch took place at Nationalism Park on Monday, March 2, 2026.
This year’s celebration, under the theme, “Experience Ghana, My Heritage, My Pride (Taste 69@69),” also marked the launch of the historic Vodza Regatta.
Speaking at the launch, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie emphasized the role of tourism, culture and the creative arts in driving jobs, empowering youth and women, and stimulating domestic tourism.
She commended President John Dramani Mahama for offering to be the culture ambassador extraordinary.
According to her, the tourism and creative sector, as the biggest service provider, needs support because it has what it takes to create a lot of employment for Ghanaians.
The minister also charged schools, corporate Ghana, and everyone to visit local tourist sites across the country and enjoy the local cuisines.
She also commended the Ghana Culture Forum and the National Folklore Board for advancing Ghana’s heritage recognition efforts.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTA, Maame Efua Houadjeto, noted that Heritage Month is both a cultural celebration and an economic activation strategy, with activities including discounted access to heritage sites.
Mrs. Efua Houadjeto noted that there would be “Taste 69@69” culinary showcase, a nationwide Heritage Caravan, Akwaaba Festival, Asa Baako Festival, Akple Festival, Kenkey Festival, Independence Open Mic Concert, and Ghana Day, among others.
She revealed that there would be the unveiling of a revitalised GTA digital platform and an enhanced Ghana Travel portal.
Present at the launch were the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Yussif Issaka Jajah, Ghana Tourism Development Company boss, Prof. Kobby Mensah, Deputy GTA CEO, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, other sector directors, traditional authorities, diplomatic representatives, stakeholders and the media.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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Ghanaian gospel artist Enuonyam Akuffo Tuffour, known in the showbiz circles as Enuonyam, has released her much-awaited album dubbed ‘Jesus Given’.
The six-track album is made up of songs like Jesus Given, Be Still featuring Luigi Maclean, Kyere Me Kwan featuring Kweku Teye, I Will Not Be Moved, Holy Ghost, and Hallelujah Holy.
Speaking to The Spectator Agoro during an exclusive listening session, Enuonyam said, “‘Jesus Given’ is a summary of what Jesus did on the cross for humanity and the benefit thereof.”
She added that it is an album inspired by John 15:13, which speaks of the greatest gift given to humanity: Jesus Christ, who later died for humanity.
Touching on the production process, she said it was a smooth process working on the album: “Everything worked as planned from collaboration to all those who played key roles in making the process possible.”
In a message to the public, the gospel musician said, “Everyone who is looking to experience Jesus intimately and beautifully should listen to the album.”
She was optimistic that the album would impact many lives and urged music lovers to stream Jesus Given, adding that the album is available on all streaming platforms.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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