Headlines for Holiday and Hospitality News
Latif Abubakar Gears Up for 20th Production ‘Ghana Must Go’ under the Black Star Experience
Ghana Hotels Association sues GHAMRO, Audiovisual Rights Society of Ghana for arbitrary imposition of royalties on its members
UK Inflation Falls to 2.3%, Nears Bank of England Target
The Ghana Hotel Association (GHA) has filed a lawsuit against the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO) and the Audiovisual Rights Society of Ghana (ARSOG), challenging what it describes as the arbitrary imposition of royalties on its members. GHA argues that under Section 37 of the Copyright Act, 2006 (Act 690) as amended by Act 788, and regulations 36 and 37 of L.I 1962, royalties must be based on actual usage or public performance of copyrighted works—not on the number of rooms, hotel grade, or industry ratings.
Dr. Edward Ackah-Nyamike Jnr., GHA President, testified that the decision to sue was backed by the association’s National Executive Committee and 34 member resolutions. GHA claims that since 2014, GHAMRO and ARSOG have imposed royalties and license fees without transparent, lawful assessment methods, prompting widespread complaints from its members.
Attempts to resolve the issue through dialogue, involving the Ghana Tourism Authority and Parliament’s Trade and Industry Committee, failed.GHA insists that both GHAMRO and ARSOG acted in violation of copyright laws and constitutional provisions, particularly Articles 23 and 296, by issuing arbitrary fee demands and threatening legal action. The association seeks a court declaration affirming proper royalty assessment based on actual usage, an injunction against arbitrary collections, and compensation including legal costs.
Latif Abubakar, Chief Executive Officer of Globe Productions, is preparing to stage his 20th theatre production titled ‘Ghana Must Go’, a landmark initiative that combines entertainment with cultural and investment diplomacy.
Produced in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the play forms a key component of the Black Star Experience under the Government of Ghana and aligns with The Big Push Ghana Project—a global campaign to position Ghana as a prime destination for tourism and investment.
Speaking at the official launch held on Thursday, 15th May 2025, at the Pelican Hotel in Accra, Abubakar celebrated Globe Productions’ journey over the past 15 years, noting the impact of their previous 19 productions.
Latif Abubakar highlighted that ‘Ghana Must Go’ is not just another production but a cultural vehicle designed to attract international attention. The production is expected to tour cities including Nairobi, Doha, Riyadh, New York, London, Toronto, Lagos, and Johannesburg, with each stop targeting an audience of at least 2,000 potential investors and tourists. “This is the flagship theatrical experience of the Big Push Ghana Project, aimed at elevating our national visibility through culture-driven investment diplomacy,” Abubakar noted.
He also recounted some of Globe Productions’ notable achievements, including their 2020 virtual COVID-19 play which reached over 3.5 million viewers globally and their first theatrical expedition to Madrid, Spain, last year—an event that attracted 29 ambassadors. “It was a sold-out show, a testimony of the power of storytelling and the global hunger for authentic Ghanaian content,” he remarked.
The launch was graced by key stakeholders in Ghana’s arts and tourism sector, including the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, who served as the Special Guest of Honor. She praised the production’s mission, stating, “‘Ghana Must Go’ is an invitation for the world to join Ghana, not only as the land of heritage and hospitality but as a land of investment, innovation and endless possibilities.”
Other dignitaries present included Ghana Journalists Association President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, and Director of Arts and Culture Divine Owusu Ansah.
The United Kingdom has recorded a significant drop in its annual inflation rate, falling to 2.3% in April 2025—its lowest level since July 2021. This sharp decline brings inflation closer to the Bank of England’s 2% target, boosting hopes for an interest rate cut in the coming months.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the decrease was driven largely by lower gas and electricity prices after changes in the energy price cap, along with a slowdown in food price increases. Core inflation, which excludes volatile items like energy and food, also eased slightly to 3.9%, down from 4.2% in March.
The development is seen as a major relief for households and businesses grappling with the effects of nearly two years of high living costs. It also adds pressure on the Bank of England to reconsider its current interest rate of 5.25%, the highest in over 15 years.
Economists say a rate cut could come as early as the summer if inflation continues to trend downward. However, the central bank remains cautious, noting that wage growth and service-sector prices are still higher than expected.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed the news, stating that the UK’s economic recovery was gaining momentum. The opposition, however, cautioned that millions of Britons were still feeling the pinch and called for further government intervention to ease the cost-of-living burden.
Source : Joycelyn Marigold, Holiday & Hospitality News
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