Agya Koo Nimo is a veteran Ghanaian singer
Renowned Ghanaian ethnomusicologist and Highlife legend, Agya Koo Nimo, has called on attorneys in Ghana to specialise in copyright law to protect the intellectual property of musicians and creatives.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with NYA on The Brand on SUNSHINE, which airs every Sunday at 8pm on CTV, the celebrated musician expressed deep concern about the persistent copyright violations facing Ghanaian artists.
According to him, while Ghana is blessed with immense musical talent, the legal protection framework for musicians remains weak in practice due to limited expertise in copyright litigation and enforcement.
Behind the vibrant sounds of Ghanaian music lies a troubling reality: many artistes are not fully benefiting from their own work.
Songs are frequently played on radio, television, and digital platforms without clear evidence that proper royalties are being paid.
While the music reaches audiences far and wide, the financial returns often do not follow.
According to him, if more Ghanaian lawyers deliberately specialised in copyright and entertainment law, musicians would have better representation, structured contracts, and stronger enforcement of their intellectual property rights.
A Brief Look at Ghana’s Copyright Laws
Ghana’s copyright regime is governed primarily by the Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690). Under the law:
Musical works are automatically protected once they are created and fixed in tangible form.
The copyright owner has exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, and adapt the work.
Protection generally lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 70 years after death.
The Ghana Copyright Office oversees administration and enforcement.
Collective Management Organisations, such as GHAMRO are mandated to collect and distribute royalties.
However, despite these legal provisions, enforcement remains a major concern- a situation Agya Koo Nimo believes can be strengthened through specialised legal expertise.
Born Daniel Amponsah, Agya Koo Nimo is one of Ghana’s most respected traditional musicians and scholars.
