Jackson Brefo, acting chief executive officer of the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO), has revealed that the organization is facing financial challenges due to its private status.
In an interview on Artsy on Asaase 99.5 on August 10, Brefo highlighted that GHAMRO’s struggles stem from transitioning from a government-run body to a private organization.
“We are in a fix because we are a private organization,” Brefo said, explaining that GHAMRO was established under new regulations in 2012 after the Copyright LI 1962 was passed in 2010.
Before GHAMRO’s formation, the organization was known as the Copyright Society of Ghana (COSGA), which operated under government oversight.
Brefo noted that COSGA was housed in a modest office at a cultural centre in Kumasi.
At the same time, GHAMRO intended to expand its operations by opening offices nationwide, implementing monitoring systems, and training staff. However, these plans needed more resources.
“We missed that opportunity,” Brefo said. “Since then, we have not received funding from the government because it’s a company limited by guarantee. So, it’s a private entity.”
He pointed out that the 2010 regulation established GHAMRO and two other societies, but it was merely a theoretical framework without accompanying resources.
The organization initially needed more essential infrastructure, such as vehicles and office space, which hampered its ability to function effectively.
Brefo detailed the financial structure outlined by the regulation, stating that 30% of collected revenue is allocated for administration, 10% for welfare, and 60% for distribution to artists, with payments made biannually.
Despite these provisions, Brefo acknowledged ongoing difficulties collecting revenue, particularly from prime users like radio and TV stations.
“To be very honest with you, it has never been easy with these outlets,” he admitted.
The challenges faced by GHAMRO underscore the broader issues of managing and funding cultural organizations in a private capacity and the need for sustained investment and support.
