The National Folklore Board has urged individuals and organisations to obtain prior authorisation and pay royalties before using Ghanaian cultural heritage in films, digital content, and live streams.
In a press statement signed on Wednesday by the Acting Executive Director, Mr Felix Yao Adjavor, the Board said it had observed widespread unauthorised use of Ghanaian cultural expressions.
It noted that individuals and organisations have been using Kente cloth, adinkra designs, dance performances, and indigenous knowledge on platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok without authorisation or payment of royalties.
“Under the Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690), folklore in Ghana is vested in the President and administered by the Board. This covers music, stories, symbols, patterns, festivals, history, and myths held on behalf of the Ghanaian people. The law applies regardless of whether content is produced in Ghana or abroad, and regardless of the medium used to distribute it,” it stated
The Board clarified that producing films, documentaries, or any video content that incorporates Ghanaian folklore and generates value, recognition, or benefit for any individual or organisation constitutes commercial use.
“Live streaming of cultural events is also classified as public communication and requires prior authorisation,” it added.
According to the board, operating through digital platforms does not exempt anyone from these obligations.
“Equally, self-identifying as a “cultural ambassador” or receiving personal, sponsored, or grant funding does not waive the requirement for a statutory license. Content produced professionally or intended for distribution remains subject to regulation even where no direct profit is made,” it stated.
The Board noted that prior registration with it, or informal engagement with its staff, does not substitute for obtaining a formal license or fulfilling royalty obligations.
It added that official endorsement will only be issued upon full compliance, including payment of royalties.
“All persons and entities using Ghanaian folklore in any video or digital format are required to formalise their operations with the Board, obtain the requisite authorisation before commencing, pay the prescribed royalties or agree on a payment plan, and complete any applicable endorsement processes,” it said.
The Board described the issuance of invoices as a standard administrative procedure under the law and not a punitive measure, adding that it remains open to collaboration with stakeholders while affirming it will enforce the law where necessary.
Adwoa Koramah Anokye-Gyimah & Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
