#PlayGhana is not about banning foreign music - Gyankroma Akufo-Addo clarifies

The Executive Secretary of the Creative Arts Agency (CAA), Gyankroma Akufo-Addo, has clarified that the PlayGhana initiative is not an attempt to ban foreign music in the country, as some have claimed.

The initiative, launched on December 14, aims to promote Ghanaian music and support local artistes, particularly during the December-in-Ghana festivities. However, some social media users misunderstood the initiative as a ban on foreign music, especially Nigerian music, on Ghanaian airwaves.

Speaking at a recent DJs and Bloggers Forum, Gyankroma emphasised that the #PlayGhana rather seeks to boost the local music industry and promote Ghanaian artists, not create competition or ban other countries' music.

"It's unfortunate that we started PlayGhana with controversy and misconstrued information, with the core goal of the initiative being ignored. However, I want to give an assurance that the initiative is a patriotic approach.

"It's never about banning any other music or making Ghanaian musicians compete with other artists. Far from that. What we're trying to do is just push our artists to the forefront, which will have a ripple effect on our industry," she was reported by graphic.com.gh to have said.

Gyankroma also pointed out the need for financial growth within the industry and the challenges of enforcing supportive laws for Ghanaian music on the radio.

"We need more money in the industry. If people come and they don't hear us, they won't stay to give money. Yes, we can pass the law, which is everything great on paper, but how do we enforce it?" she asked.

ID/NOQ

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