Concerns over the structural health of Ghana’s music industry have resurfaced following candid remarks by a leading music producer, who warned that internal divisions are stalling growth and global competitiveness.
According to ghanaweb.com, Philip Hayford, CEO of Phiphas Recordz, made the comments during an interview on Light TV on December 11, 2025, where he described the industry as fragmented and driven by self-interest.
According to Hayford, a culture of dishonesty and rivalry among stakeholders has weakened collaboration, making it difficult for artists and producers to collectively push Ghanaian music onto the global stage.
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While artistes, producers and stakeholders often project an image of unity, he claims that behind the scenes, personal egos and self-serving agendas dominate.
According to him, this lack of genuine collaboration has stunted the industry’s growth and limited its global potential.
“Instead of supporting one another, key players prioritize individual gains over building a strong, united front. Until this changes, the dream of a thriving, internationally recognized Ghanaian music industry will remain just that—a dream,” Hayford asserted.
He also highlighted a critical issue affecting musicians: unfair treatment regarding royalties.
Many artistes struggle to receive proper compensation due to poor tracking systems, weak enforcement of rights and inefficiencies within royalty distribution organizations.
Hayford, who has worked with renowned gospel musicians such as Diana Asamoah, Ernest Opoku, Cecilia Marfo, Jack Alolome and Piesie Esther, emphasised that addressing these systemic problems is essential for the industry’s future success.
