Ghanaian gospel star Esther Smith is locked in a fierce legal battle over the ownership of her digital music assets. OFM Computer World, led by Dr. Debrich Jeremiah Acheampong, claims she owes $240,000 and breached an agreement granting them control over her YouTube channel and streaming revenue. Smith, however, fires back, accusing OFM of hijacking her platforms and fraudulently claiming her music rights.
Under Ghana’s Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690), artists retain exclusive rights to their works unless legally transferred. If OFM falsely claimed ownership, it could amount to copyright infringement. Additionally, the Electronic Transactions Act, 2008 (Act 772) regulates digital agreements, meaning any unauthorized access or contract breaches could have serious legal consequences.
This case is a wake-up call for musicians navigating the digital space, know your rights, secure your contracts, and protect your creative work.