GHAMRO: The Good, The Bad and Rex Omar

In the ever-evolving landscape of Ghanaian creativity, few groups are as talked about as the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO). Its significance lies not only in its role as a guardian of artists’ rights but also in the sheer number of individuals it serves—from musicians to songwriters and producers. However, GHAMRO has long been plagued by challenges and scandals, with leadership crises and contentious elections frequently dominating discussions. When Rex Omar assumed the chairmanship in 2017, many hoped it would herald a new era of stability and progress. Yet, the past seven years have proven to be some of the most controversial in the organization’s history.

The Organization:

The Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO) was established under section 49 of the Copyright Law, Act 690 of 2005 and regulated under L.I. 1962 of 2010 to collect and distribute royalties on behalf of authors/composers and other right owners.

Like all other copyright societies, GHAMRO is a non-profit corporate body (limited by guarantee) and therefore all fees collected are distributed among the right owners whose works have been used, in this instance composers, authors and producers, publishers in proportion to the use made of their works. GHAMRO was formed in December 2011. Before 2011, it existed as the Copyright Society of Ghana (COSGA) which was formed in 1986 and a general body creative products.

After just under three decades, the music arm of COSGA was handed over to GHAMRO, which instituted an interim board to administer its duties. When GHAMRO was established it was run by Carlos Sakyi until an order of the Human Rights Division of the High Court presided over by His Lordship Kofi Essel-Mensah J. ruled that, the then executives, should step aside for a new five-member interim board to take over the affairs of the organisation. In 2015, Kojo Antwi took over and handed over in 2017 but not before changing in the constitution to make the chairmanship term 4 years. Rex Omar was subsequently elected Chairman and has led for the past 7 years.

The Man:

Rex Omar is a respected musician who has also trained as a management professional specializing in intellectual property rights. He is considered by many as a leading authority on copyright in Ghana.

He is a former Vice President of the Copyright Society of Ghana and a member of the 2013 Committee for National Intellectual Property and Policy Strategy. He is the former head of Business and Finance of the Musician Union of Ghana. Rex Omar is a Member of the Copyright Society of Switzerland and is on publishing contract with EMI (Germany). Within the context of universal copyright principles, Rex, together with some likeminded people formed the Coalition of Concerned Copyright Advocates (COCCA), a group that caused the then President, John Agyekum Kufuor, to withhold his assent to the Copyright Bill in order for some discrepancies to be corrected.

Rex Omar is a consummate musician, a vociferous copyright advocate, a fierce, firm, resolute and vocal firebrand who is often misunderstood and somewhat comes off as cocky and narcissistic until you encounter the inner calm, cool, knowledgeable persona of this gem.

The Work:

To the ordinary industry person and many a Ghanaian, GHAMRO lives in the headlines associated with a simple google search; Okyeame Kwame details reasons GHAMRO is struggling (modernghana), GHAMRO Leaders Insensitive To Plight Of Rights Owners’ (peacefmonline), I’ve received GH₵374 from GHAMRO as royalties – Fancy (3news), Royalties from GHAMRO are very disappointing – Kwabena Kwabena (happyghana), Controversy surrounds GHAMRO board election (musicinafrica). Here is a true picture…

Under Rex Omar’s leadership, the Ghamro administration has achieved remarkable milestones, fundamentally transforming the organization into a more efficient and supportive entity for musicians in Ghana. Notably, royalties are now distributed twice a year, a significant improvement from the previous annual distribution, ensuring that artists receive timely financial support. Despite a decrease in government-levied blank media fees, the Rex Omar administration has successfully collected more royalties than any previous leadership. The monumental progress in constructing an ultra-modern office complex stands as a testament to Ghamro’s commitment to its members, alongside a newly structured welfare system that includes support from an insurance firm, benefitting aging musicians. Under his guidance, Ghamro has undergone extensive renovations, resulting in a more organized and effective operation, better positioned than other collective management agencies in Ghana, servicing over 4,000 rights owners annually. Furthermore, Omar secured a significant deal with CAPASSO, which has notably increased the funds available for distribution. Under his chairmanship, payouts have skyrocketed; while Daddy Lumba once received the highest distribution of 4,000 GHC, artists like Shatta Wale have since been awarded over 50,000 GHC in a single payout, highlighting the profound impact of his leadership.

Under his leadership GHAMRO has distributed a whopping 11,199,755.12 in Royalties and spent a further 2,480,893.94 in welfare payments, a feat unprecedented. A groundbreaking deal which is to change the phase of GHAMRO and completely digitize its processes have been reached and the GHAMRO Information System (GHAMIS) is due to be launched.

The Let Down:

There is a glaring disparity between the high expectations placed on Rex Omar’s leadership of GHAMRO and the realities that have unfolded. While the organization has achieved certain successes, these accomplishments pale in comparison to the trust and hope the industry vested in him. Given his extensive knowledge, groundbreaking court victories regarding personal rights, and his unwavering advocacy for musicians, it was only natural for the industry to anticipate transformative change. Yet, the results have not matched the ambition; instead, his tenure serves as a poignant reminder of how even the most promising leaders can face scrutiny and disappointment. History has shown that many great figures, once maligned and demonized, are often celebrated as heroes in retrospect, but for now, the collective sentiment remains one of unfulfilled potential and a yearning for the leadership that was promised but not fully delivered.

Rex Omar and GHAMRO need a better public relations system and must learn to manage the expectations of their membership by providing them with apt and timely updates as well as putting out financial statements regularly.

There has to be a clear dichotomy between the work of management and board, on the outside Rex is running GHAMRO day by day and the secretariat appears to be the board that should missing from the public spectacle.

The Future:

The narrative surrounding GHAMRO under Rex Omar’s leadership embodies a complex interplay of hope, ambition, and disappointment. The legacy of GHAMRO is shaped not just by its achievements but also by the weight of expectations that have, in some instances, gone unmet. It is crucial for GHAMRO to recalibrate its vision and align its efforts with the needs of its members, fostering an environment where creativity can flourish. The hope remains that, with renewed focus and commitment, GHAMRO can rise to meet its potential and fulfill the promise that its stakeholders so deeply desire.

(Story: Richmond Adu-Poku)