Foreigners and international institutions who may want to use any of Ghana’s folklore will now be compelled to seek permission before use or risk facing the law.
Foreigners and international institutions who may want to use any of Ghana’s folklore will now be compelled to seek permission before use or risk facing the law.
This is because, the National Folkore Board has engaged the services of a legal firm, AB & David to see to the collection of royalties from unauthorized users.
The legal framework is to among other things ensure that Ghana is able to collect all approved user fees in order for the country to benefit fully from the commercial use of its culture and traditions.
At a short signing ceremony in Accra, Acting Director of the National Folklore Board, Nana Adja Adobea Asante, said the move has become necessary to bring an end to the over-exploitation of Ghana’s customs on the international front.
On his part, Dr. Ziblim Barri Iddi, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said the signing of the agreement marked a significant milestone as the Board has finally obtained full backing to carry out its mandate effectively.
A representative of AB & David, Vera Owusu Osei, who spoke on behalf of the solicitors was optimistic that the firm will “assist with the recovery of lost benefits.”
Earlier this year, the National Folklore Board officially launched a series to educate Ghanaians on folklore.
The campaign dubbed “Did You Know” will create awareness of Ghanaian folklore through the sharing of folklore facts.
The programme will be outdoored monthly throughout the year.
“Did You Know” series include Ghanaian music, dance, art, designs, names, signs and symbols, performances, ceremonies, architectural forms, handicrafts and narratives and many other artistic and cultural expressions.
These will be broadcast through traditional and online media platforms as well as social media.
The National Folklore Board is a state agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture established and empowered by the Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690).
The National Folklore Board is mandated by law to administer, register, promote and protect Ghanaian expressions of folklore on behalf of the President and for the people of Ghana.
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By: Nii Larte Lartey | citinewsroom.com |Ghana |nlartelartey@gmail.com – SOURCE
