Name and shame the “bribe” givers

Last week Tuesday, PRO for Charterhouse Ghana, George Quaye, made a rather unprofessional statement that gospel artistes have been making frantic efforts to bribe some members of the board of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA).

For an industry that is yet to solidify its place in a competitive global environment, it is of grave concern when a key player in the biggest showbiz event in the country makes such an unfounded allegation of bribery.

Since the “outburst”, some players of the Gospel Industry have not taken lightly the allegation which is likely to affect their brand.

In a response, contemporary gospel artiste, Cwesi Oteng, challenged George Quaye to name the ‘culprits’ to restore the credibility of the awards scheme. However, it seems the heat was too much for the latter who has issued a letter of apology.

Showbiz believes an apology from George Quaye isn’t enough to put the matter to rest especially when he has been vociferous in challenging artistes to mention names when such issues have come up in the past.

It is rather unfortunate that he had to make such a statement at a time when the credibility of the awards is ‘limping’ and just an apology without providing evidence is definitely not the best for an awards event that has been committed to celebrating the works of artistes.

The issue of bribery has been a “signature” of the VGMA and artistes have been singing the tune every year, hence,  for a prominent member of the board to join in the  ‘chorus’ is rather unfortunate and certainly damaging to the survival of the scheme, particularly if those guilty of the act aren’t named and shamed.

This call, Showbiz thinks, is not out of order especially at a time when artistes have accused organisers of “stolen verdict” when favourites miss out on deserving awards.