Ghanaian twin music duo Lali x Lola have formally petitioned the Minister of Finance to initiate negotiations for bilateral tax treaties that protect Ghanaian artists’ international royalties.
The duo highlighted that musicians are losing up to 30% of their earnings to withholding taxes in countries where Ghana has no tax agreements, depriving the creative sector of much-needed resources.
“These funds could be recovered and used to transform our creative economy — funding artist welfare, copyright protection, and industry infrastructure,” the duo stated. Their appeal emphasizes that the issue goes beyond music, calling it a matter of respecting creative labour and ensuring that Ghana’s artists benefit fairly from their global success.
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This latest petition follows an earlier submission to the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation on May 19, 2025, concerning nonpayment of streaming revenue. After a meeting with Minister Sam George on September 1, Lali x Lola were asked to provide an evidence-based policy proposal. They later submitted a detailed report titled “Optimization of Musicians’ Revenue in Ghana and Building a Digital Framework that Protects Artists and Their Works,” which was also shared with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts (MoTCCA).
Findings from their research revealed significant financial losses to Ghana’s creative industry due to foreign withholding taxes that remain unrecovered. “Up to 30% of our royalties — gone before it even reaches Ghanaian artists, distributors, and publishers,” they noted. Lali x Lola are now calling on all stakeholders to join their advocacy to reclaim these withheld funds and reinvest them into strengthening Ghana’s creative economy.
Source: ameyawdebrah.com/
