January 19, 2011

Communications Minister, Haruna Iddrissu and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, has directed that a committee be set up immediately to work out the modalities for the payment of royalties to musicians in the country.

The committee is also expected to investigate the fracas that took place in Sunyani where equipments belonging to three radio stations were seized.

The Committee, which is to be made up of four representatives from the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) and the Interim Copyright Management Team (ICMT), would be chaired by Major (Rtd) Emmanuel Owusu-Adansi of the National Communications Authority.

The decision was taken after GIBA and ICMT met with the Communications Minister Haruna Iddrissu.

In an interview with Citi News, President of GIBA Chief Crystal Djirackor indicated that the committee would hold its first meeting by Friday January 21, and is expected to present its report in two weeks time.

He further adds that the royalties being charged by the musicians are too high and would also be reviewed by the committee.