Dansoman, Accra: OFM COMPUTER WORLD, a subsidiary of MULTI DEBRICH GROUP LTD, has taken decisive legal action to reclaim ownership of the YouTube channel @EstherSmithMusic, originally created and managed by the company for UK-based Ghanaian gospel artist Esther Smith.
The dispute, now a legal matter in the Dansoman Court in Accra, Ghana (Suit No. CCD/C2/26/24), highlights critical issues surrounding digital content ownership and management rights in the entertainment industry.
Background of the Dispute
On July 12, 2020, OFM COMPUTER WORLD, under the leadership of Dr. Debrich Jeremiah Acheampong, officially created the YouTube channel @EstherSmithMusic to support and promote Esther Smith’s gospel music career. The channel was built on the domain esthersmith.org, which remains under the control of OFM COMPUTER WORLD.
A legally binding agreement, signed by Esther Smith on June 16, 2020, acknowledges the role of OFM COMPUTER WORLD as the channel’s rightful creator and manager. The agreement, backed by Esther Smith’s German National ID, outlines the company’s responsibility for technical and promotional management of the digital platform.
However, without prior consultation or consent, Esther Smith unilaterally changed the channel’s password and recovery email, effectively locking out the original creators and managers. This action has raised serious legal and ethical concerns regarding contractual obligations and digital rights.
Legal Proceedings and YouTube Intervention
To address the unauthorized takeover, OFM COMPUTER WORLD – MULTI DEBRICH GROUP LTD has formally petitioned YouTube Support to review the ownership of the channel. The company has submitted:
- The original signed agreement between OFM COMPUTER WORLD and Esther Smith.
- A copy of her German National ID for identity verification.
- Official proof of the channel’s creation under the Gmail username esthersmithorg, derived from the domain esthersmith.org (which remains under OFM COMPUTER WORLD’s control).
- Legal documentation from the Dansoman Court in Accra, proving the case is under judicial review.
- Evidence of OFM COMPUTER WORLD’s active management of the channel before the unauthorized access change.
The company has also escalated the case to Google’s Legal Support Team, seeking intervention to restore rightful ownership and ensure compliance with digital media agreements.
WATCH VIDEO BELOW:
@ghanaregions Esther Smith is going to pŕisøn. #EstherSmithGhana #Ghana #GhanaRegions #foryou #MultiDebrichGroup #EstherSmithGh ♬ original sound – Ghana Regions
Impact on Digital Content Ownership in the Music Industry
This case sets a significant precedent for digital media management within the African entertainment industry. Many artists rely on digital platforms such as YouTube for revenue generation, promotions, and audience engagement. However, disputes over ownership often arise when clear contractual agreements are not respected.
Dr. Debrich Jeremiah Acheampong, CEO of OFM COMPUTER WORLD Europe and MULTI DEBRICH GROUP LTD Ghana, emphasized the importance of protecting digital assets and intellectual property:
“Digital content management is a serious business. Companies invest time, expertise, and financial resources into building online platforms for artists. Unauthorized takeovers not only violate agreements but also undermine trust in the industry. This case is about ensuring that contractual obligations are honored and digital rights are protected.”
Call for Industry-Wide Regulations
OFM COMPUTER WORLD urges stakeholders in the music and entertainment industry to establish clearer regulations governing digital content ownership and management. The company calls on:
- Music labels and managers to enforce stricter agreements regarding online platforms.
- Artists to honor contractual obligations and seek proper legal consultation before making unauthorized changes.
- Tech companies like YouTube and Google to enhance their dispute resolution mechanisms to prevent digital hijacking cases.
What’s Next?
As the legal case proceeds, OFM COMPUTER WORLD remains committed to reclaiming the @EstherSmithMusic channel and ensuring justice is served. The company also advises businesses and artists to establish strong digital content policies to prevent similar disputes.
OFM COMPUTER WORLD is confident that justice will prevail and that YouTube will take appropriate action to restore rightful ownership of the channel.
OFM COMPUTER WORLD EUROPE
MULTI DEBRICH GROUP LTD GHANA
Website: OFMcomputerWorld.com
