Rex Omar
The Ghana Music Right Organisation (GHAMRO), a collective society for music right owners, has terminated its contract with Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA).
GHAMRO on December 1, 2016 had an agreement with GIBA to facilitate the collection and payment of royalties on behalf of its members at a commission of five percent.
According to GHAMRO, GIBA has failed to meet the collection targets set by both parties, hence its decision to abrogation of the contract.
In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Prince Tsegah, GHAMRO disclosed that per the contract, GIBA was to clear all outstanding copyright arrears for 2014-2015 of GH¢755,125 not later than March 2017; that of the year 2016 of GH¢1,033,500 by June 2017; with 2017 royalties of GH¢1,183,925 to be paid latest by March 2018; all totaling GH¢3,062,550.
However, GIBA only managed to collect an amount of GH¢576, 287.50 by March 2017; another GH¢169, 300.00 by June 2017; and GH¢16, 100.00 for March 2018 amounting to GH¢835, 587.50.
These amounts were duly distributed by GHAMRO in its August 2017 distribution, meaning GIBA has an outstanding balance of GH¢2, 210.862.50 to collect and pay to GHAMRO.
GHAMRO, however, appealed to all broadcasting stations, especially members of GIBA, to contact GHAMRO directly to clear their indebtedness to avoid any future embarrassment.