What is Copyright?
Copyright law grants you exclusive rights to use, distribute, and earn from your work. This means no one can legally use your music without your permission. It provides a framework that ensures you have control over how your music is used
and who profits from it.
Why is Copyright important?
1. Recognition and Financial Benefits: Copyright ensures that you, as the creator, receive proper recognition and financial rewards for your work. This includes royalties from performances, broadcasts, and sales.
2. Legal Protection: By registering your music, you secure legal proof of ownership. This is vital if you ever need to take legal action against unauthorized use or
infringement of your work.
3. Control over Your Work: Copyright allows you to control how your music is used. You can decide who can use it, how it can be used, and under what conditions.
How Long Does Copyright Last?
In Ghana, copyright protection lasts for your lifetime plus 70 years after your death. This extended period ensures that your family and heirs can benefit from your creative work long after you’re gone.
Steps to Protect Your Music:
1. Record your Work: Ensure your music is recorded in a tangible form, such as sheet
music or audio recordings.
2. Register your Music: Registering your work with the Copyright Office is a crucial step. This
formalizes your protection and provides you with a legal basis for claiming
ownership.
3. Use Copyright Notices: Placing copyright notices on your music informs others that your work is protected by law. This can deter unauthorized use and copying.
Why Register with GHAMRO?
The Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO), is the main body in Ghana representing Music performing
rights approved under the Copyright Act 690, L.I. 1962 Ghana Music Rights
Organization (GHAMRO) plays a pivotal role in protecting and managing the
rights of musicians in Ghana. Here’s why you should register with GHAMRO:
1. Royalty Collection: GHAMRO ensures that you receive royalties whenever your music is
performed, broadcasted, or reproduced.
2. Legal Support: GHAMRO provides legal support to its members. If your music is used
without permission, GHAMRO can assist you in taking legal action to protect
your rights and seek compensation.
3. Networking and Opportunities: As a member of GHAMRO, you become part of a community of musicians. This can open up
opportunities for collaborations, performances, and exposure in the industry.
4. Education and Advocacy: GHAMRO also works to educate musicians about their rights and
advocates for policies that protect the interests of music creators in Ghana.
Conclusion
Protecting your music through copyright and registering with GHAMRO is essential for
safeguarding your creative rights and ensuring you receive the recognition and
financial benefits you deserve. By taking these steps, you can focus on what you do best – creating amazing music – while GHAMRO takes care of protecting
and managing your rights.
