The Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO) has highlighted the remarkable achievements of Rex Omar during his tenure as Board Chairman. A statement signed by GHAMRO’s Acting CEO, Jackson Brefo, outlined Rex Omar’s instrumental role in ensuring fair royalty distribution, enhancing royalty collection mechanisms, advancing welfare policies, driving infrastructural development, and promoting transparency within the organization.
Leadership Amidst Challenges
On March 22, 2017, Rex Owusu Marfo (Rex Omar) was elected as Board Chairman of GHAMRO, tasked with steering the five-year-old organization despite significant challenges, including a lack of working capital and an outdated office space shared with two other Collective Management Organizations (CMOs). Despite these hurdles, Rex Omar led efforts to align GHAMRO with international best practices and improve local royalty collection systems.
Fair and Equitable Royalty Distribution
To achieve fair distribution of royalties, Rex Omar’s administration partnered with Global Music Monitoring of Ireland to provide monitored log sheets. Additionally, his team worked with an IT firm to develop software for effective CMO operations and submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture for funding. Under his leadership, the highest royalty earner’s payment increased from GHC 4,000 to GHC 50,000 biannually, and over GHC 12 million was distributed to rights holders despite operational challenges.
Improved Royalty Collection
Rex Omar prioritized efficient royalty collection by investing in resources and suing major broadcasters and telecom companies, such as MTN, Vodafone, and GBC, to ensure compliance. His administration also proposed amendments to the Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690), to empower GHAMRO’s enforcement capabilities.
Infrastructure Development
Under Rex Omar’s leadership, GHAMRO transitioned from a shared four-room office to constructing a three-story building to house all CMOs. Additionally, the organization established temporary offices in Accra and extended its presence across Ghana’s cultural centers.
Transparency and Accountability
Rex Omar’s administration implemented an open-door policy, introduced internal controls, and engaged external auditors. Annual audited accounts were consistently published and shared with members. A government-mandated audit of GHAMRO operations from its inception revealed financial mismanagement under previous leadership but found no irregularities during Rex Omar’s tenure.
Welfare Initiatives
For the first time in GHAMRO’s history, Rex Omar’s administration introduced a Tier 3 pension and life insurance scheme for members, providing benefits such as financial support during family bereavements. The Tier 3 pension is regulated by Metropolitan Insurance.
A Decade of Service and Leadership
Rex Omar’s nearly decade-long association with GHAMRO, coupled with his visionary leadership and principled approach, has left an indelible mark on the organization. His commitment to fostering fairness, growth, and sustainability has positioned GHAMRO as a model CMO in Ghana and beyond.