Andrew Tandoh Adote Urges Stronger Copyright Laws and Royalties for Ghanaian Voice-Over Artistes

Ghanaian actor Andrew Tandoh Adote has issued a passionate call for more robust legislation to safeguard the intellectual property rights of voice-over artistes in the country. Speaking on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, Adote emphasized the urgent need for a legal framework that ensures these professionals receive fair royalties for their work. This call comes amid growing concerns that voice-over talents are often overlooked in Ghana’s broader creative arts landscape, leaving many without sustainable income from their contributions to advertisements, films, and digital media projects. During the discussion, Adote pointed out the systemic failures that have hindered the industry's growth, specifically mentioning past initiatives aimed at organizing the sector that ultimately failed due to a lack of enforcement mechanisms. He highlighted that while other creative sectors have made strides in collective bargaining and royalty collection, voice-over artistes continue to struggle with a lack of standardized rates and legal protection. This lack of structure has left many performers vulnerable to exploitation, with their voices often being used across multiple platforms without additional compensation or their explicit consent. The actor also drew a comparison between Ghana and its West African neighbor, Nigeria, noting that Ghana has been relatively slow in establishing a unified voice-over community. According to Adote, the absence of a strong, centralized association makes it difficult for the government and regulatory bodies to implement effective policies. He was joined by other industry stakeholders who echoed his sentiments, stressing that without a structured approach and a cohesive front, the voice-over industry will remain fragmented and undervalued in the eyes of corporate clients and policy makers. To address these challenges, Adote urged the government and relevant industry associations to collaborate on developing clear legislation and enforcement mechanisms. He argued that securing royalties is not just about financial gain but also about recognizing the professional value and artistic contribution of voice talents. As the creative economy continues to evolve, the establishment of a formal voice-over union and the modernization of copyright laws are seen as critical steps toward ensuring the long-term viability and dignity of the profession in Ghana.