If we’ve not fixed GHAMRO, we’re depriving musicians of right to earn – Robert Klah

Head of Public Events and Communications at Charterhouse Ghana, Robert Klah, has proposed immediate reforms to the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO) in order to guarantee that musicians earn fair royalties throughout their lives.

During a discussion on Hitz FM on August 4, 2025, on ways to preserve the legacy of Ghanaian legends after their deaths, Robert emphasised that honouring the legacies of musicians should start while they are still living and not just after they pass away.

“If, for any reason, we have not fixed the GHAMRO issue, we are depriving them of the right to earn. So, if you want to talk about honouring somebody’s legacy, it starts with when the person is alive, and then it translates to when the person is gone.

“Because everything about estate management, which concerns the financial aspect after someone passes, like managing their affairs, requires a functioning system. If you haven’t fixed your IP framework, if you haven’t fixed the system to ensure they can earn, then there’s nothing in terms of revenue coming through,” he said.

Robert explained that preserving the legacy of Ghanaian icons must start with ensuring they earn income from their intellectual property while alive.

“You want to preserve their legacy? It starts with taking an interest in ensuring that when they work and put out content, they can earn,” he added.

He further criticised Ghana’s present royalty payment system, calling it unfair to musicians who have made substantial contributions to the music business and receive nothing.

“This thing about royalties, no matter how we look at it, I just don’t like the way it’s being treated. And I think that it begins here. Because people have contributed their quota, and then they die poor. Does it make sense?” Robert questioned.