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Own Your Work

Intellectual Property
& Copyright

Your music is your intellectual property from the moment it's created. Ghana's Copyright Act protects you — here's how to enforce those protections.

The Law

Ghana Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690)

Ghana's Copyright Act (Act 690) protects original literary, musical and artistic works. For musicians, this means your compositions, lyrics, recordings and arrangements are protected from the moment they are created — no registration is required for copyright to exist.

Copyright protection in Ghana lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 70 years. For sound recordings (masters), protection lasts 50 years from the year of first publication.

The Act is administered by the Copyright Office of the Ghana Intellectual Property Office (GhIPO), located in Accra. GhIPO does not create copyright — it records and evidences it.

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What Copyright Protects

Original compositions, song lyrics, musical arrangements, sound recordings (masters), music videos, album artwork, sheet music and liner notes.

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What Copyright Does NOT Protect

Musical genres, styles, chord progressions, rhythms, beats or general ideas. Only the specific expression is protected, not the underlying concept.

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Exclusive Rights You Hold

Reproduction (copying), distribution, public performance, broadcasting, adaptation (covers), communication to the public via streaming and digital channels.

warning Copyright Infringement — What to Do

Common Infringements in Ghana

  • error Song sampled without clearance or credit
  • error Music played publicly without a GHAMRO licence
  • error Cover version recorded and sold without licence
  • error Music used in a commercial/film without sync licence
  • error Pirated CD/USB copies sold in markets
  • error Streaming without proper distribution rights

Steps to Take

  1. 1
    Document the infringement: Screenshot, record or note the details — where, when, who.
  2. 2
    Contact MUSIGA Legal: Members can file a rights violation report within 48 hrs.
  3. 3
    Cease and Desist letter: MUSIGA can issue a formal C&D letter to the infringing party.
  4. 4
    GhIPO complaint: For serious infringement, file a formal complaint with GhIPO.
  5. 5
    Civil action: For large-scale infringement, MUSIGA can support court proceedings.

Collective Rights Management

GHAMRO & Neighbouring Rights

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GHAMRO (Composers & Songwriters)

GHAMRO administers performing rights on behalf of composers, lyricists and music publishers. When a public venue, broadcaster or streaming platform plays your music, GHAMRO collects and distributes the royalty.

  • check_circle Eligibility: original composers and lyricists
  • check_circle One-time registration: GH₵50 (GH₵30 with MUSIGA subsidy)
  • check_circle Royalty distribution: twice yearly (June & December)
  • check_circle Head office: Ringway Estates, East Legon, Accra
  • check_circle Telephone: +233 (0)302 775 951
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Neighbouring Rights (Performers & Producers)

Neighbouring rights are separate from copyright. They protect performers (session musicians, featured artists) and record producers when a recording is broadcast or publicly performed — even if they didn't write the song.

  • check_circle Session musicians are entitled to neighbouring rights royalties
  • check_circle Register your performances with GHAMRO as a performer
  • check_circle Neighbouring rights do NOT require a songwriting credit
  • check_circle Especially important for session musicians on hit records
  • check_circle MUSIGA advocates for stronger neighbouring rights enforcement in Ghana
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Members Only

Access the MUSIGA Copyright Infringement Report form, get a free Cease & Desist letter drafted, and receive legal support for GhIPO complaints — exclusively for MUSIGA members.

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