Veteran Ghanaian musician Gyedu-Blay Ambolley has launched a sharp critique of the Ghana Music Rights Organisation, questioning its relevance and effectiveness in protecting musicians’ earnings.
Speaking during an appearance on Starr FM, the veteran performer argued that the body tasked with collecting and distributing royalties has not delivered for the very people it represents. In his view, the system meant to reward creativity has instead left many artistes struggling.
Ambolley insisted that revenue opportunities are being overlooked across multiple sectors where music is used commercially. He pointed to public transport, broadcasting platforms and hospitality spaces as areas where royalties should be consistently enforced but are not.
“GHAMRO are jokers. Take GPRTU, for example; they play music in buses, and anytime music is used for commercial purposes, payment is required. But they play it for free. TV stations, radio stations, and hotels also play our music without paying. If they were paying, musicians would never go hungry. They play my music on air, yet I’m not paid royalties.
“I have received about two or three payments… Sometimes, musicians and composers call me and give me GH¢500 for the entire year,” he said.
He went on to describe the situation as dire for many industry players, revealing that even basic healthcare has become a challenge for some musicians despite the widespread use of their work.
“When I returned from America, I realised that many musicians I know cannot even afford hospital bills when they fall sick, yet their music is played every day.
“They have been fighting me all the time. Abraham Adjetey and his team are all jokers,” Ambolley further stated.
Watch the interview below.
