GHAMRO Says Churches Must Pay Royalties For Songs Used In Service
CEO Jackson Brefo Says Ghana's Copyright Act Applies Regardless Of Setting
By Hamuk O. Digne · September 23, 2026 · 46 seconds read
The Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO) says churches are required to pay royalties when they use copyrighted songs during services. GHAMRO CEO Jackson Brefo said Ghana's copyright law does not create a blanket exemption for churches when copyrighted music is performed publicly during worship.
What The Law Says GHAMRO's position rests on Section 37(2) of the Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690), which allows copyright owners to collect royalties from the live performance of copyrighted works or the public performance of recorded works. Brefo said orthodox denominations have been the most compliant so far.
How Churches Have Responded The reaction from some in the church community has been critical. Gospel singer Patience Nyarko described the move as an attack on churches, saying it could damage the relationship between gospel artistes and congregations. Resolving the dispute is expected to require both public education on copyright law and reforms to how royalty collection agencies operate.