The Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO), will start the distribution of royalties start from today [Monday] September 24, 2018.
This decision was taken due to the delay in the release of blank levies which are due the organisation from the government of Ghana.
As has been the norm, GHAMRO conducts its distribution twice in June –July and December of each year, with the Blank Levy used for the June distribution, whilst the collection is used for the December distribution.
However, given the current situation with the unexpected delays in the disbursement of the Blank levy, and considering the burden it has placed on members, the decision was reached to immediately disburse collections so far made in order to assist members, according to a statement from GHAMRO.
“It is important however, that members would kindly take note that since the collections are ongoing and the amount of GHC 500,000 to be distributed is just part of collections made, the due payments to members would be low as compared to previous distributions.
“From the foregoing, Ghamro would like to also place on record that it has not received the Blank levy payments from Government for 2018, which amount has reduced for the past years as a result of dwindling CDs and Cassettes imports.”
This has affected the revenue generated from the 20% levy imposed on blank media under the legislative Instrument, LI 1962.
GHAMRO stated that it wishes to assure members that steps are being taken to have “other devices” like mobile Phones, Pen drives, hard discs, Laptop computers etc. included.
“GHAMRO is very grateful for the patience exhibited by members in the face of the delay and assure them of doing everything in our power to protect their interest.
We also take the opportunity to remind all commercial Music users including Broadcasting Stations , Shopping Malls, Banks, Pubs, Hotels to renew their licenses by contacting any GHAMRO offices nationwide; and those who have yet not regularized their operational license should do so immediately to avoid embarrassment and possible prosecution in the court of law.”
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Source: GHAMRO