MUSIGA honours President Mahama on His Birthday

The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) hosted its prestigious Golden Jubilee Soiree on Saturday, November 29, at the Labadi Beach Hotel, under the distinguished auspices of the Ga Mantse, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, represented by Nii Adote Odaawulu I- Sempe Akweiman Mantse & Paramount Muslim Akwashongtse

During the event, MUSIGA conferred a special award upon President John Dramani Mahama in recognition of his unwavering support for Ghana’s creative industries, particularly the music sector. The award was received by Deputy Chief of Staff, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo.​

The award citation, presented within the Ghana Music Honours segment of the MUSIGA Golden Jubilee Soiree, acclaimed President Mahama for “Recognizing that the heart of Ghana’s Music Industry beats in the lives of its people and is secured by its institutions,” portraying him as the compassionate champion of welfare for aged and struggling musicians, whose interventions have delivered dignity and comfort to the pioneers of Ghanaian sound. It further commended his visionary leadership in establishing the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, thereby affirming the sector’s pivotal role in national development and sustainable growth, and noted that “You have consistently invested in the humanity behind the music and the future of the art.”

Other distinguished awardees included veteran ethnomusicology Professor Edmond John Collins; former MUSIGA Presidents Agya Koo Nimo, Alhaji Sidiku Buari, Diana Hopeson and Bice (Obour) Osei Kuffour. UK-based international music and events promoter, Freddie Annan; Dr. Adrian Odoi Oddoye, CEO of +233 and the Ghana Jazz Foundation; and the longest-serving MUSIGA Chairman, Ben Kolaan, who retired last year, were also awarded. The Soiree was attended by Edmond Moukala, Head of UNESCO Ghana, H.E. Thando Dalamba, South African Ambassador to Ghana; captains of industry, musicians, and stakeholders, featuring captivating performances by Obrafour, Pat Thomas, Smart Nkansah, Adane Best, Asabea Cropper, and a percussion cameo by Mr. Moukala with the Bessa Band.​

A commemorative book titled “The MUSIGA Story”, chronicling MUSIGA’s 50-year journey, was auctioned, with Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe securing a copy for GHC 10,000.00; additional copies were acquired by Mrs. Theresa Ayoade, CEO of Charterhouse Ghana, US-based businessman Kobi Manful, and Ahotor FM, among others. Nana Oye Bampoe assured the creative industries of robust governmental support to foster thriving careers, while Mr. Moukala emphasized the sector’s integral role in Ghana’s 24-hour economy, advocating for sustained investment.

This landmark celebration not only paid tribute to President Mahama on his birthday but also underscored MUSIGA’s enduring legacy and forward-looking commitment to elevating Ghana’s music and creative industries as engines of cultural and economic advancement. The event, which was put together by Showbiz Africa, was supported by Stanbic Bank, Club Beer, and Telecel. Among activities of the Soiree, MUSIGA launched three of its flagship events, namely, Ghana Music Honour 2026– an awards event for musicians by musicians; The MUSIGA Presidential Grand Ball and Live Band City, all major events coming up next year.  

(Source: Ahuma Bosco Ocansey)