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

Ghana Launches e-Visa Platform, Scraps Visa Fees for Africans
culture | BY Angela Kuffour | May 25th, 2026

Ghana Launches e-Visa Platform, Scraps Visa Fees for Africans

The online platform went live on May, 25, celebrated as Africa Day and allows visitors from across the world to apply for Ghanaian visas without going to embassies and consulates.

It’s GAME ON For 3Music TV, PLUZZ FM And Orange FM! Special World Cup Edition Launches
sports | BY Joshua Narh | May 25th, 2026

It’s GAME ON For 3Music TV, PLUZZ FM And Orange FM! Special World Cup Edition Launches

The special edition commenced the 21-day countdown to the tournament and airs every Tuesday and Thursday at 1:30 p.m. before shifting into a regular schedule once the World Cup begins on June 11.

Black Starlets Miss Out on FIFA U17 World Cup After Defeat to Uganda
sports | BY Joshua Narh | May 24th, 2026

Black Starlets Miss Out on FIFA U17 World Cup After Defeat to Uganda

The shootout proved dramatic and tense, with both sides converting several kicks. In the end, Uganda edged Ghana 8-7 on penalties to secure qualification to the World Cup.

Gyakie’s Forever Remix Featuring Omah Lay Hits 100 Million YouTube
music | entertainment | BY Angela Kuffour | May 24th, 2026

Gyakie’s Forever Remix Featuring Omah Lay Hits 100 Million YouTube

Since its release, Forever Remix has dominated streaming platforms, social media trends and playlists helping position Gyakie among Africa’s leading female music exports.

Actress Beverly Afaglo Reportedly Passes On
entertainment | culture | BY Angela Kuffour | May 24th, 2026

Actress Beverly Afaglo Reportedly Passes On

The news of her demise was shared on Instagram by her husband, Eugene Baah popularly known as Choirmaster(Praye Honeho) of the music group Praye.

Ghana’s Cashless Economy Could Increase Cybercrime Risks - Kobby Spiky
culture | BY Joshua Narh | May 22nd, 2026

Ghana’s Cashless Economy Could Increase Cybercrime Risks - Kobby Spiky

Using banking services as an example, he said many users now prefer mobile banking because it is simpler and faster than traditional banking processes.

Modernize Agriculture To Make It Attractive To Youth – NSA boss
culture | BY Angela Kuffour | May 22nd, 2026

Modernize Agriculture To Make It Attractive To Youth – NSA boss

The NSA boss asserted that agriculture holds major opportunities that could tackle youth unemployment if properly harnessed through technology and modern practices

Kobby Spiky Blames Human Error As Biggest Cybersecurity Threat
culture | BY Joshua Narh | May 22nd, 2026

Kobby Spiky Blames Human Error As Biggest Cybersecurity Threat

According to him, cybercriminals increasingly rely on social engineering, a psychological manipulation technique used to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or granting access to systems.

Mahama To Launch Ghana’s First e-Visa Service On May 25
culture | BY Angela Kuffour | May 22nd, 2026

Mahama To Launch Ghana’s First e-Visa Service On May 25

“President Mahama set to launch Ghana’s first e-Visa service on Africa Day — Monday May 25, 2026. Ghana’s warm digital handshake with the world.”

SIRIBEATZ, AD DJ Release AfroHouse-Inspired MONEY DANCE
music | entertainment | BY Joshua Narh | May 22nd, 2026

SIRIBEATZ, AD DJ Release AfroHouse-Inspired MONEY DANCE

According to the creators, the track was produced entirely in FL Studio and is built around a composition approach where the melody takes prominence before the introduction of heavier drum patterns and rhythmic crescendos.

Carrick Confirmed as Man Utd Manger
sports | BY Angela Kuffour | May 22nd, 2026

Carrick Confirmed as Man Utd Manger

Manchester United has announced signing Michael Carrick as permanent manager of the club for the next two years.

Modola Says She Left Home In Italy Secretly To Pursue Music Career In Nigeria
music | entertainment | BY Joshua Narh | May 22nd, 2026

Modola Says She Left Home In Italy Secretly To Pursue Music Career In Nigeria

Speaking in an interview on 3Music TV’s Culture Daily show on Thursday, May 21, the singer said she packed her bags overnight and informed her father she was travelling to Nigeria to chase her dream.

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