Entertainment
Ded Buddy calls for urgent reforms in music industry
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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.”
Gospel musician Lady Adwoa marked her birthday in a deeply spiritual way on Sunday, July 19, 2026, with the release of her latest single, ‘ASEDA,’ a powerful song of thanksgiving that reflects her personal journey of faith, resilience, and unwavering trust in God.
The new release, whose title translates as “Thanksgiving,” is more than just another gospel song. It is a heartfelt testimony of God’s sustaining grace and faithfulness through some of the most challenging moments of the singer’s life.
According to Lady Adwoa, ASEDA was inspired by her experiences over the past five years; a period she described as one of intense trials that tested both her faith and resilience. Despite the difficulties, she said every challenge became another reminder that God never abandons those who trust in Him.
“Through every difficult season, God simply came through for me. He has been faithful through it all,” she said.
She explained that the message of the song is rooted in the biblical admonition to remain thankful in every circumstance.
“The Bible teaches us to give thanks in all circumstances, so whether in the good, the bad, or the ugly, I choose to give thanks to God,” she added.
By releasing ASEDA on her birthday, Lady Adwoa said she transformed what is traditionally a personal celebration into an offering of gratitude to God for preserving her life and strengthening her through every season.
With the declaration, “ASEDA FATA NYAME” meaning God deserves all the thanks. The singer said the song encapsulates her testimony and serves as an encouragement to others to remain steadfast in faith regardless of life’s uncertainties.
The uplifting single combines a message of hope with heartfelt worship, reminding listeners that gratitude should not be reserved only for seasons of abundance but should also be expressed amid life’s trials.
Lady Adwoa has encouraged gospel music enthusiasts and the general public to stream ASEDA on her YouTube channel and follow her social media platforms for updates on her music ministry and future projects.
The release has already begun drawing attention among gospel music lovers, with many expected to connect with its timeless message of gratitude, hope, and unwavering confidence in God’s faithfulness.
An International Relations student at Cumbria University, Rumzia Sule, has been officially crowned Miss Ghana 2026, emerging victorious over 12 other contestants to claim the coveted national title.
The grand finale of the 69th edition, held under the theme “Empowering Women, Enduring Legacy,” saw the University of Ghana graduate Fatimatu Zara Ishacu finish as the first runner-up and Whitney Opoku Nketia adjudged the second runner-up.
Other awards, such as Miss Fitness, Miss Talent, Miss Eloquent, Most Beautiful Skin, Miss Congeniality, Most Disciplined, and Miss Photogenic, went to Nedlyn Appiah, Lucille Akua Oputa-Otutu, Davinia Owusu Kuffuor, Lawrencia Serwaa Amankwa, Fatimatu Zara Ishacu, Anita Appiah, and Whitney Opoku Nketia, in that order.
Rumzia also won the Beauty with Purpose award.
Unlike previous editions, this year’s pageant adopted a strategic, scaled-down format. Shifting away from traditional pomp and pageantry, to a more personal and community skills development theme.
The final selection was held at the Oak Plaza Hotel in Accra before an elite panel of judges, relatives of contestants amongst others present to witness the historic occasion.
According to the organisers, Exclusive Events Ghana and the Miss Ghana Foundation, the format change was a deliberate choice, as part of preparations towards the upcoming milestone for the brand both nationally and internationally, that is, next year’s landmark 70th, in Ghana and this year’s 75th anniversaries, internationally.
Despite the cozy setting of the coronation, the finalists underwent the full, rigorous pageant journey following nationwide auditions on June 27, 2026.
The young women participated in intensive, weeks-long mentorship, leadership, and entrepreneurship programme designed to test their resilience, empathy, discipline, and professionalism.
Furthermore, the contestants demonstrated their commitment to national development by rolling up their sleeves for the National Clean-Up Exercise, supporting President John Dramani Mahama’s call to restore cleanliness across Ghana by desilting choked gutters in parts of Accra.
The Foundation emphasised that these outreach programmes were vital evaluation tools used to identify a queen who genuinely embodies compassion and a willingness to serve society beyond the glamour of the stage.
Rumzia’s exceptional public speaking and commanding vision ultimately separated her from the field.
As the new Miss Ghana 2026, Rumzia will now begin preparations to represent the nation on the international stage at the upcoming Miss World pageant in Vietnam.
