Did you know that Ghanaian music could dominate the airwaves this March?
Kofi Okyere-Darko, Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, has urged media outlets to dedicate 70% of their airtime to local music throughout Heritage Month. This initiative, launched on March 3, 2025, at Labadi Beach Hotel, aims to celebrate Ghana’s rich musical heritage, support local artists, and foster national pride.
Why This Matters:
✅ Boosts Ghanaian Music Industry – More exposure for local artists and genres.
✅ Promotes Cultural Identity – Showcasing indigenous sounds strengthens national pride.
✅ Drives Tourism & Economy – Music and cultural events attract local and international audiences.
As Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) CEO Marilyn Maame Efua Houadjeto emphasized, Heritage Month is a time for national reflection and cultural celebration. But how will this initiative unfold, and what does it mean for the future of Ghanaian music? Let’s dive in.
Ghanaian Media to Prioritize Local Music in March – Here’s What You Need to Know
Ghana’s Heritage Month 2025 is taking a bold step to amplify local music on mainstream media. Kofi Okyere-Darko, Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, has urged media houses to dedicate at least 70% of their airtime to Ghanaian music throughout March.
Speaking at the launch event at Labadi Beach Hotel on March 3, 2025, he emphasized that Ghana possesses a rich musical repertoire capable of sustaining programming for the entire month. This initiative is expected to boost the local music industry, provide artists with greater exposure, and reinforce Ghana’s cultural identity.
Why This Initiative Matters for Ghana’s Music Industry
This move isn’t just about airplay quotas—it’s a strategic push to elevate Ghanaian music on the global stage. Here’s why it’s significant:
✅ More Exposure for Local Artists – Increased radio and TV airtime gives Ghanaian musicians a larger audience.
✅ Cultural Identity & National Pride – Showcasing Indigenous music helps preserve Ghana’s unique sounds.
✅ Economic Growth – A stronger local music industry means more revenue for artists, producers, and media platforms.
✅ Tourism and Global Recognition – Highlighting Ghanaian music could attract international attention and visitors.
Media’s Role in Promoting Local Music
Okyere-Darko urged radio, TV stations, and digital platforms to seize this opportunity to promote indigenous music and culture. He believes that consistent local airplay will help Ghanaian music thrive, creating a sustainable industry for future generations.
"We have a beautiful country to build together; let's all build the country we want together,"he said, emphasizing that Heritage Month should be a time for national reflection and unity.
How Prioritizing Ghanaian Music Will Shape the Industry’s Future
Ghana’s push for 70% local music airplay during Heritage Month isn’t just a short-term campaign—it could set the stage for a lasting transformation in the country’s music industry. If implemented, this initiative has the potential to:
✅ Increase Royalties for Artists – More airplay means more earnings for musicians through licensing and performance rights.
✅ Encourage Investment in Local Talent – Media houses and record labels may focus more on nurturing homegrown talent.
✅ Foster a Unique Ghanaian Sound – A stronger local music culture helps artists refine and globalize their distinctive styles.
✅ Boost Cultural Tourism – A globally recognized Ghanaian music scene could attract international tourists and music lovers.
Has This Happened Before? Lessons from Other Countries
Ghana isn’t the first country to implement policies that prioritize local music. Similar strategies have worked elsewhere:
🎵 Nigeria’s Afrobeats Boom – Nigeria’s media heavily promotes Afrobeats, helping the genre dominate international charts.
🎵 South Africa’s Amapiano Explosion – By fostering its homegrown sound, South Africa turned Amapiano into a global phenomenon.
🎵 Canada’s Radio Quotas – A law requiring Canadian stations to play at least 35% local music helped build a thriving music industry.
If Ghana follows these examples, its music industry could experience exponential growth, creating global stars and sustainable careers for local artists.
How This Affects You—Actionable Insights
Here’s what different stakeholders can do to make this initiative successful:
✅ Media Houses: Commit to structured programming that features a mix of Ghanaian legends, rising stars, and diverse genres.
✅ Artists and Producers: Invest in high-quality production to make Ghanaian music globally competitive.
✅ Listeners and Fans: Actively stream and request local songs to increase demand.
✅ Government & Policymakers: Implement long-term policies to ensure continued local content promotion beyond Heritage Month.
By collectively supporting this movement, Ghana can build a sustainable music ecosystem that benefits both artists and the economy.
The Lasting Impact of Ghana’s 70% Music Airplay Push
The push for 70% local music airplay during Heritage Month is more than just a temporary initiative—it’s a bold step toward redefining Ghana’s cultural landscape. By prioritizing Ghanaian music, the nation strengthens its cultural identity, empowers local artists, and fosters national pride.
However, for this movement to have a lasting impact, it must extend beyond March. Consistent support from media houses, policymakers, artists, and fans will determine whether Ghanaian music continues to thrive on home soil and beyond.
"Do you think Ghanaian media should permanently enforce a 70% local music policy? Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s discuss!"
