Rex Omar has cast doubt on Ghana’s readiness to sustain a thriving music and creative arts sector, arguing that the system continues to fail the very people driving it.
Speaking on Joy Prime during an interview with George Quaye, the GHAMRO board chairman and seasoned musician, described an industry where financial survival remains out of reach for most performers. He stressed that only a small number of artistes achieve commercial success, leaving the majority struggling to turn their talent into a stable livelihood.
“Ghana is not ready to support music, up to today. I can tell you that 97 per cent of Ghanaian musicians are not making money,” he said.
He indicated that while the visibility of successful stars encourages young creatives to enter the field, many do so without understanding the commercial realities that underpin long term success. According to him, the enthusiasm that pushes people into music often lacks the financial structure required to sustain careers.
“They go into music out of passion. But the business aspect of it that will sustain them is zero,” he said.
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Rex Omar also signalled his intention to relinquish his leadership position at GHAMRO, attributing the decision to prolonged delays in constituting a new governing board. He indicated that his main objectives at the organisation have largely been achieved.
“Technically, I’m still there as chairman, waiting for them to do elections so that I can hand over and leave. I’m thinking of leaving this month (February) because what I went there to do is finished. We went to digitise GHAMRO, and I’m going to launch it, and I’ll leave,” Rex Omar explained.
He extended his criticism beyond GHAMRO, pointing to what he described as systemic weaknesses within Ghana’s intellectual property and creative industry structures. In his view, the lack of strong state involvement continues to undermine collective management organisations and the broader creative economy.
“Ghana is still not ready. Look at our IP industry. Now go to the corporate office. The reason why all our CMOs are suffering is that the role that the state must play and take it seriously is still not being done,” Rex Omar stated.
