Rex Omar Questions Why GHAMRO Still Lacks Operating License Despite Government In Power
Veteran Ghanaian musician Rex Omar has raised concerns about the ongoing failure of the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO) to receive its operating licence years after the current government assumed office.
Speaking in an interview, Rex Omar said he finds it confusing and unacceptable that GHAMRO has not yet obtained regulatory approval to function officially, especially given that the government has been in power for several years. He stressed that music rights collection and distribution cannot be properly managed without a valid licence.
The singer and songwriter also pointed out that GHAMRO plays a vital role in protecting the rights and livelihoods of Ghanaian musicians. According to him, the organisation’s inability to be licensed undermines its credibility and weakens its ability to support artists fairly in areas such as royalties and licensing fees.
Rex Omar’s comments reflect long-standing frustrations within the creative community, where calls for improved structures and transparent processes for collecting and paying royalties have grown louder over time. Many industry players have questioned why an organisation tasked with securing earnings for creators still faces bureaucratic hurdles.
He emphasised the importance of a properly regulated system that ensures musicians receive fair compensation when their work is used commercially — in radio, television, digital platforms, and live performances. Without a licence, Rex Omar said GHAMRO’s capacity to enforce rights and collect royalties legally may be limited, to the detriment of rights holders.
Music lovers and industry stakeholders have also reacted online to the issue, with some echoing Rex Omar’s call for swift government action and regulatory clarity. Others say the situation highlights broader inefficiencies in the creative arts sector’s governance framework.
GHAMRO was originally established to protect the rights of musicians and related stakeholders by ensuring proper licensing and royalty distribution. Officials of the organisation have previously said they are working with authorities to meet all requirements for formal licensing, but a final outcome has not yet been publicly confirmed.
Rex Omar’s remarks renew attention on the need for a functional licensing framework, which many believe is crucial for developing Ghana’s music industry and securing the financial rights of creative professionals.
