Lali X Lola Call for Bilateral Tax Treaties to Protect Ghanaian Artistes’ Royalties

Christabel Newman
By
Lali X Lola Call for Bilateral Tax Treaties to Protect Ghanaian Artistes’ Royalties
LaliXLola
WRITTEN BY WALTER SENA 


Ghanaian music duo Lali X Lola have formally submitted a request to the Minister of Finance and Parliament, urging the government to negotiate bilateral tax treaties that would enable Ghana to recover withheld international royalties and strengthen the nation’s creative economy.

According to the duo, up to 30 per cent of royalties earned by Ghanaian musicians, producers, and publishers are withheld overseas due to international tax arrangements. These withheld funds, they argue, could play a crucial role in revitalising Ghana’s creative sector if successfully recovered.

“This isn’t just about music, it’s about respecting creative labour and reinvesting recovered funds into our industry to support infrastructure and artiste welfare,” their statement noted.

The call follows sustained advocacy by Lali X Lola to highlight the financial barriers faced by Ghanaian artistes in the digital economy. On 19th May 2025, the duo presented a petition to the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation (MoCDTI), raising concerns about the non-payment of streaming revenue. This was followed by a meeting chaired by Hon. Sam George on 1st September 2025, where the Minister requested further research and evidence-based policy proposals.

Subsequently, on 15th September 2025, Lali X Lola submitted a detailed report titled Optimisation of Musicians’ Revenue in Ghana and Building a Digital Framework that Protects Artistes and Their Works to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts. The findings revealed that Ghanaian artistes lose substantial income each year to international withholding taxes imposed on their earnings, with many funds remaining inaccessible to both the artists and the state.

The duo are calling for swift government action to recover these royalties and reinvest them into Ghana’s creative ecosystem. “We pray that all interested parties would add their voice and support to this cause,” they added

Comments

MORE FROM
music

More From 3Music News

Asake Makes History with Red Bull Symphonic
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 10th, 2025

Asake Makes History with Red Bull Symphonic

Nigerian music powerhouse Asake has made history as the first African artiste to headline the United States edition of Red Bull Symphonic. This globally acclaimed live-music series pairs leading contemporary artistes with full symphony orchestras.

Cina Soul Set to Light Up December with CINCITY Concert
entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 9th, 2025

Cina Soul Set to Light Up December with CINCITY Concert

Ghanaian singer and songwriter Cina Soul has announced that she will be headlining her very own concert this December, promising an unforgettable night of live music, emotions and connection with her fans.

2026 GRAMMYs: Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Tyla and Eddy Kenzo Nominated for Best African Music Performance
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 7th, 2025

2026 GRAMMYs: Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Tyla and Eddy Kenzo Nominated for Best African Music Performance

The Recording Academy has unveiled the nominees for the Best African Music Performance category at the 2026 GRAMMY Awards, spotlighting some of the continent’s most influential and dynamic artistes.

Ed Sheeran is set to deliver a truly unique performance experience with One Shot.
entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 7th, 2025

Ed Sheeran is set to deliver a truly unique performance experience with One Shot.

Premiering on 21 November, the new Netflix special captures the award-winning singer-songwriter performing his greatest hits across New York City all in one continuous, uninterrupted take.

Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer to Star in August Wilson’s JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE on Broadway
entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | November 7th, 2025

Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer to Star in August Wilson’s JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE on Broadway

Hollywood star Taraji P. Henson is officially heading to Broadway for the first time, joining comedy legend Cedric the Entertainer in a new revival of August Wilson’s acclaimed play JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE.

First Trailer for Michael Jackson Biopic MICHEAL Released
entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 7th, 2025

First Trailer for Michael Jackson Biopic MICHEAL Released

The film stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew who steps into his uncle’s shoes to portray one of music’s most influential figures. Known for his striking resemblance and vocal likeness to the late icon, Jaafar brings a personal connection to the role that has already generated considerable excitement among fans worldwide.

“The Modern Church Is Losing Focus As Faith Has Become a Business of Needs and Noise” - Kojo Delong
entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | November 7th, 2025

“The Modern Church Is Losing Focus As Faith Has Become a Business of Needs and Noise” - Kojo Delong

The devil has never done anything original,” he noted. “He only fakes what God has already done. So, if you’re not discerning, you’ll fall for the counterfeit.”

Fashion is Not an Accessory in Music, It’s a Storyteller
entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | BY Christabel Newman | November 7th, 2025

Fashion is Not an Accessory in Music, It’s a Storyteller

Fashion designer and CEO of Chapters Couture, Robert Raymond Cudjoe, has become one of the strongest advocates for this movement, arguing that fashion is far more than an accessory in music it is a vital storytelling tool that shapes an artiste’s identity, performance and legacy.

RCEE Is Back With Another Irresistible Highlife Jam, ATIAA
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 7th, 2025

RCEE Is Back With Another Irresistible Highlife Jam, ATIAA

ATIAA is a rich blend of traditional melodies, infectious percussion and heartfelt lyrics that speak to love, culture and everyday emotions the very essence of highlife. The track embodies RCEE’s signature sound smooth vocals layered over rhythmic guitar chords and lively horns that make it impossible not to move along.

Faith, Fantasy, and Fraud: “The Pastor Is a Man of God, Not a god of Man.” - Kojo Delong
entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | November 7th, 2025

Faith, Fantasy, and Fraud: “The Pastor Is a Man of God, Not a god of Man.” - Kojo Delong

“God’s work is business, the CEO is God, the church is the workforce,” he said. “But the moment money becomes the god, the purpose is lost.”

Oliver Twist Shack Teams Up with Akwaaba UK for the BIG COOKOUT in Accra
entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | November 7th, 2025

Oliver Twist Shack Teams Up with Akwaaba UK for the BIG COOKOUT in Accra

“It’s the Jollof Hangout Party,” Foyoo explained. “The base is Jollof but we’re giving everyone the freedom to make it their own. You can have Jollof with pork, goat, turkey, macaroni, salad, whatever your squad is feeling that day.”

Tyler Perry Brings Holiday Warmth With Film FINDING JOY
entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 7th, 2025

Tyler Perry Brings Holiday Warmth With Film FINDING JOY

Award-winning filmmaker Tyler Perry is ushering in the holiday season with his latest project, FINDING JOY, a heartwarming romantic drama now streaming exclusively on Prime Video.

More Similar Videos

Showboy Shares His Journey From Prison To Becoming Ghana's Biggest Trapper
music,entertainment | Lerny Lomotey | October 27th, 2025

Showboy Shares His Journey From Prison To Becoming Ghana's Biggest Trapper