Lali X Lola Campaign For Withheld Tax Royalties From International Bodies

Christabel Newman
By
Lali X Lola Campaign For Withheld Tax Royalties From International Bodies
Lali X Lola
WRITTEN BY WALTER SENA 

Musical duo Lali X Lola have issued a balanced but urgent response to the newly announced GH¢20 million Creative Arts Fund captured in Ghana’s 2026 Budget. While describing the initiative as a “welcome breakthrough,” the duo stressed that the allocation remains far too limited to meaningfully address the deep-rooted challenges within Ghana’s sprawling creative sector.

Speaking to 3Music TV, they acknowledged that the introduction of the fund aligns with a proposal they had earlier championed but insisted that the gesture must evolve into broader, long-term reform.

“We were genuinely excited to hear about the Creative Arts Fund,” they said. “We had already put out a press statement calling for such a fund. But the truth is, the creative space is extremely large, with numerous structural issues. GH¢20 million simply cannot fix all those problems or create the real impact the industry needs.”

Beyond critiquing the scale of the allocation, Lali X Lola outlined a strategic solution they believe could transform the industry’s financial foundation,the recovery of international royalties and withholding taxes owed to Ghanaian creatives.

They explained that a significant chunk of earnings generated on global digital platforms including streaming services and content marketplaces are withheld abroad because many of these companies operate in jurisdictions like the United States. Quoting the duo,  “Because Ghana has no bilateral tax agreements with these countries, a percentage of earnings are blocked as withholding taxes and kept abroad.”

To tackle this, they are urging government to begin negotiations towards tax waivers for Ghanaian creatives earning abroad and fair & clear bilateral tax treaties with key digital economies.

According to them, failure to address these barriers will continue to place Ghana at a disadvantage. 

Since releasing their statements on the Creative Arts Fund and withheld international royalties, the duo say the response has been overwhelmingly supportive saying “people have reposted, creatives have called us, it’s been encouraging. But it’s not enough. We need more voices, more advocacy, so that the message reaches the right people.”

Their appeal was officially directed to the Ministry of Finance, Clerk of Parliament, Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Communication, signalling their intent to drive sustained policy dialogue.

For Lali X Lola, this moment marks not an endpoint but the beginning of a broader push for structural change, one they hope the entire creative ecosystem will rally behind.

Comments

MORE FROM
entertainment

More From 3Music News

NF Returns After Two-Years Hiatus With Powerful New EP
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 14th, 2025

NF Returns After Two-Years Hiatus With Powerful New EP

American rapper and songwriter NF (Nathan John Feuerstein) has officially made his long-awaited return to music with the release of his new project, the FEAR EP, which dropped today, November 14, 2025.

DMI Highlights Gap in Ghanaian Music Distribution
entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 14th, 2025

DMI Highlights Gap in Ghanaian Music Distribution

Ghanaian DJ collective DMI comprising DJ Isoe, DJ Mish and DJ Dennys recently sat down with Afi and Zuu on the Stay By Plan podcast to share insights into their journey, the formation of their group and their perspective on the music industry in Ghana and Nigeria.

King Promise Reflects on Football’s Lasting Influence
entertainment | sports | BY Christabel Newman | November 14th, 2025

King Promise Reflects on Football’s Lasting Influence

Ghanaian music sensation and 2025 Artiste of the Year, King Promise, recently paid a nostalgic visit to his boyhood football club, Chelsea FC. The visit saw the chart-topping musician reflecting on the formative influence football has had on his life, even as he continues to dominate the music scene.

“Ghanaian Hip-Hop Is About to Shock the World” — Kweku Smoke
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 14th, 2025

“Ghanaian Hip-Hop Is About to Shock the World” — Kweku Smoke

For Smoke, purpose comes before everything. Trends come and go; the artiste’s foundation is what endures.

Creative Arts Get Major Boost in Ghana’s Budget 2026
culture | BY Christabel Newman | November 14th, 2025

Creative Arts Get Major Boost in Ghana’s Budget 2026

Ghana’s creative arts sector has received a significant vote of confidence in the 2026 national budget, with several initiatives aimed at reviving and expanding the country’s cultural and artistic landscape.

From the Streets to Mainstream, Kweku Smoke Has Carved A Path for Himself
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 14th, 2025

From the Streets to Mainstream, Kweku Smoke Has Carved A Path for Himself

“If I put out a single, the people won’t get enough. The album is a journey. You can’t take one song out it’s all connected.” This is why entire albums chart at once. Each track feels like a chapter, not a standalone release.

Effs Turns Pain, Purpose and Power Into a New Creative Era
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 14th, 2025

Effs Turns Pain, Purpose and Power Into a New Creative Era

Effs’ entry into mainstream recognition began with I LIKE THAT, a track that gained momentum across borders due to its global sound. This led to her meeting rapper Medikal, a collaboration she had been manifesting long before it happened.

Ayra Starr Arrives in Ghana Ahead of Tidal Rave Festival
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 14th, 2025

Ayra Starr Arrives in Ghana Ahead of Tidal Rave Festival

Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has officially arrived in Ghana for the highly anticipated Tidal Rave Festival, and her touchdown has already set social media buzzing.

Burna Boy Ejects Couple From U.S. Concert For Sleeping Mid-Performance
entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 13th, 2025

Burna Boy Ejects Couple From U.S. Concert For Sleeping Mid-Performance

Burna Boy addressed the pair directly and said: “I’m not doing another song till you go home… take her the f**k home.” Security quickly stepped in to escort the couple out of the venue, after which Burna Boy resumed his performance to loud cheers from the crowd.

Diddy’s Prison Release Delayed to June 2028 Amid Updated Federal Records
entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 13th, 2025

Diddy’s Prison Release Delayed to June 2028 Amid Updated Federal Records

Sean Diddy Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records and one of hip-hop’s most influential figures, has had his expected release date from federal prison pushed back. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate database, Diddy’s new release date is listed as 4 June 2028, a slight change from the previously reported May 2028 timeline.

Dancegod Lloyd Taps Shatta Wale and Medikal for New Single OUR WIFE
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 13th, 2025

Dancegod Lloyd Taps Shatta Wale and Medikal for New Single OUR WIFE

Ghanaian dance sensation and choreographer Dancegod Lloyd has once again proven his versatility in the entertainment industry with the release of his brand-new single, OUR WIFE. The vibrant track features two of Ghana’s heavyweights Shatta Wale and Medikal and is produced by A-Town TSB.

Shatta Wale Donates to Vybz Kartel’s Foundation in Support of the Needy in Jamaica
entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | November 13th, 2025

Shatta Wale Donates to Vybz Kartel’s Foundation in Support of the Needy in Jamaica

Ghanaian dancehall superstar Shatta Wale has extended a heartfelt gesture of generosity to the people of Jamaica by donating an undisclosed amount to Vybz Kartel’s Foundation.

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