All hands must be on deck

Showbiz would like to say kudos to the members and board of the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO) first for a successful election of a new board as well as the election of Rex Omar to the position of chairman of the organisation.

Considering how turbulent affairs with the organisation has been in recent times, the successful election is a step in the right direction and fills Showbiz as well as other concerned industry persons with hope.

As Rex Omar and the new board assumes office, Showbiz urges them to as a matter of urgency try to address the impasse that almost brought the association to its knees. As the only association mandated to collect and disburse royalties for and on behalf of musicians in the country, it is important that GHAMRO puts its house in order.

It is no news that musicians in the country have for many years not received what is due them in terms of royalties. This unfortunate situation means that many veteran musicians are living as paupers although their songs are still being played on our airwaves and at many places of entertainment.

Above everything else, the interest of musicians should be paramount, hence Showbiz commends that actions of the new head of the Creative Council, Mark Okraku-Mantey who has stepped in and is trying to find an amicable solution to the confusion within GHAMRO.

Showbiz calls on all parties involved in the matter to lend their support to the mediation efforts. At the end of the day, despite the differences that exist among them, all that parties want is what is best for musicians and the growth of the music industry in the country.