In commemoration of World Intellectual Property Day, the Research and Innovation Directorate (RID), in collaboration with the Department of Music at the University of Ghana, hosted a thought-provoking webinar themed “Create, Protect and Cash-In: Intellectual Property and Music.” The event brought together industry experts, creators, academics, and the university community to explore how intellectual property (IP) rights nurture creativity, secure ownership, and support sustainable livelihoods in the music industry.
To open the event, Professor Nancy Odurowah Quashie, Deputy Director (Research) at RID, delivered the welcome address. She underscored the importance of music as a powerful tool for social connection, emotional well-being, and cultural expression. She highlighted the impact of music on mental health, social bonds, and the manner in which it reinforces the importance of protecting its creators.
She stressed the need to recognize and reward artists for their creativity through intellectual property rights, stating, “Creativity flourishes when it is respected, protected and rewarded.”
In his supporting remarks, Dr. Ben Amakye-Boateng, Head of the Department of Music, explained how the theme resonated deeply with creative and cultural industries. He illustrated the lifecycle of music, from creation to protection and ultimately to commercialization.
“Music is more than melody and rhythm, it is intellectual property that deserves protection, respect and reward,” he asserted. He urged participants to take ownership not just of their sound but also of their success, emphasizing copyright, royalties, and publishing rights as critical tools for sustaining careers in music.
Panel discussions began with addressing the topic “How to protect my music: the role of intellectual property rights,” Mr. Ben Arhin from the University of Education, Winneba, offered a comprehensive overview of the legal framework available to musicians. He highlighted conventions and laws including Ghana’s Copyright Act 690 (2005), while explaining the significance of copyright, trademarks, and moral rights in safeguarding musical works.
He clarified common misconceptions, particularly regarding music sampling, and stressed the importance of originality, fixation, and obtaining appropriate authorization. Mr. Arhin also highlighted the need to acknowledge contributors and co-authors, encouraging musicians to be informed about both moral and economic rights.
“Whether or not you register your work, the law protects you—provided your work is original,” he noted. Additionally, he advised artists to seek clearance when incorporating folklore, citing the requirement to liaise with the Folklore Board for commercial purposes.
In exploring this theme of collaborations in the industry, Mr. George Yartey, President of the Ghana Music Alliance, discussed the benefits and challenges of collaboration in the music industry. He emphasized that collaboration fosters creativity, widens audience reach, and encourages cultural exchange. At the same time, he cautioned that financial motivations often complicate these partnerships.
“In today’s industry, collaborations are often transactional, driven more by numbers and financial gain than artistry,” Mr. Yartey observed. He urged artists to protect their contributions and define roles and ownership clearly from the outset, citing disputes that have arisen due to vague or informal agreements.
Offering insights into revenue generation, Mr. Kofi Boachie-Ansah of the Ghana Music Alliance shared how musicians can monetize their work through record labels and collective management organizations. He emphasized the importance of understanding contractual obligations and being aware of rights and revenue-sharing structures.
The session illustrated real-world examples of how poor IP management can result in disputes, while effective strategies can secure long-term rewards for creators.
Concluding the panel discussion, Mrs. Diana Owusu Antwi, Senior Research Development Officer at RID, spoke about the support services available at the Technology Transfer, Commercialization and Intellectual Property unit of RID. She encouraged artists, researchers, and creators to take advantage of institutional resources to protect and commercialize their intellectual property.
Mr. Yaw Danso, Research Development Officer at RID who moderated the session, summarized key insights shared, reiterating the overarching theme: the need to create boldly, protect wisely, and monetize intelligently. He expressed appreciation to all panelists and participants for their meaningful contributions.
This year’s celebration of World Intellectual Property Day at the University of Ghana highlighted music as a vital form of intellectual property and emphasized the importance of education, legal support, and structured systems in empowering creatives. As Professor Quashie aptly stated,
“Let us celebrate not just the sounds that move us, but the systems that empower those sounds to reach the world”.