Rex Omar defends Kojo Antwi

New Chairman of the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO), Rex Omar, has defended his predecessor Kojo Antwi, saying allegations that Kojo Antwi squandered funds belonging to GHAMRO are baseless and unsubstantiated.

Kojo Antwi came under heavy criticism for allegedly worsening the plight of musicians by failing to account for royalties collected on behalf of musicians.

It would be recalled that during an emergency meeting, legendary Abirekyieba Kofi Sammy cursed Kojo Antwi and said that he would kill Kojo Antwi if he had a gun.

Rex Omar, responding to a question by Ray Charles Marfo on Adehye FM’s Showbiz Arena as to what his administration will do on the allegations levelled against Kojo Antwi, said: “I wish to say that some of the allegations levelled against Kojo Antwi are baseless. In Ghana, radio stations want content. They want sensational stories to sell their products, so they will allow people to talk. The fact that some musicians went on radio to speak against Kojo Antwi’s administration didn’t mean he got everything wrong.

“With the issue of Abirekyieba Kofi Sammy, the law says GHAMRO should collect royalties on behalf of musicians and distribute. In December 2015, no distributions were made and we couldn’t give any explanation so obviously people will get angry. In 2016, too, no distributions were made, so I side with those who are aggrieved. I take all the blame now that I’m the leader. We didn’t do well because it was our duty to distribute their royalties but the monies were not coming.”

Rex Omar took over from Kojo Antwi who recently completed his two-year mandate.

The Abiba hit maker beat Nana Tuffour by one vote to be elected the new president of GHAMRO in an election held on March 18.