Ghanaian event planner and music industry insider Soraya Opare Riley, argues Ghana’s music sector isn’t drawing investors despite its musical talent and cultural buzz.
She says key roadblocks keep serious capital at bay.
According to Soraya, talent alone isn’t enough. Institutional dysfunction at GAPI, MUSIGA, and GHAMRO has made governance messy and inconsistent. Without clear structures, investors see risk, not opportunity.
Infrastructure is another major challenge. Recording studios are outdated, performance venues limited, while distribution and export frameworks barely exist. Investors can’t build on unstable platforms.
Weak legislation and IP enforcement amplify the problem. Piracy, royalties confusion, and revenue models that fail artists all discourage outside funding. Without legal protection, creativity doesn’t convert to income.
Additionally, Ghana’s music contributes only about 1.5% to GDP, far below peers like Rwanda, South Africa, and Nigeria.
The lack of strategic investment tools such as cultural funds, venture funding, and risk-sharing mechanisms is a major turn‑off for serious stakeholders.
Soraya urges bold moves: restructuring institutions, strengthening IP laws, investing in infrastructure, and inviting major label partnerships.
