MUSIGA report launched

A 292-page report, commissioned by the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) that provides useful data and assessment of the contribution of the music sector to the country’s economy, has been launched by Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts.

The first copy of the report was presented to President John Mahama at the 2015 MUSIGA Grand Ball held last Friday, September 4 at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Accra.   

In 2013, MUSIGA, with financial support from the government of Ghana and other outfits such as the World Bank, Vodafone, Ideal Finance, Kasapreko Company Ltd and Midland Savings & Loans, commissioned KPMG to undertake the study.

“With this report, one would understand and explain the structure and functioning of Ghana's music industry. The report clearly identifies its areas of strength and weakness and would certainly stimulate discussion as to what projects and processes would be most useful in building the Ghanaian music industry,” says Daniel S. Adoteye of the KPMG.

According to MUSIGA, 10,000 copies of an abridged 44-page version of the report will be printed and circulated nationwide within the next three months.

Commenting on one of the key recommendations in the report, the Tourism Minister said,“I think the recommendation that value added tax on ticket sale should be removed to reduce the price of tickets for live shows, is seriously worth considering.”

Meanwhile, MUSIGA has announced that it raised GH¢ 85,000 from the auction of music instruments belonging to Nana Kwame Ampadu, Jerry Hansen and Osei Korankye at the Grand Ball.

Businessman Ibrahim Mahama bought Nana Ampadu’s guitar, while Jerry Hansen’s saxophone was bought by the E.I.B Company, owners of Live, Kasapa and Star radio stations.

In addition to the fundraising, MUSIGA also honoured three persons for their contribution to the development of the music industry in Ghana.

They were Dr Ernest Sarpong, a businessman and C.E.O of Sarpong Ventures; Apostle Kojo Safo of  the Christ Reformed Mission and Dr Kwabena Duffour, former Governor of the Bank of Ghana.

 Performers on the night included Bob Pinodo, J. A. Adofo, Paapa Yankson, Kwadjo Akwaboah, Becca, Gasmilla, Celestine Donkor, Gifty Osei, Bisa K Dei and Philipa Baafi.