Ghana: Bessa Simons elected MUSIGA president

MUSIGA’s elections have been marred by various obstacles. Initially slated for 2019, the elections were repeatedly delayed due to legal challenges. The most recent of these, by plaintiffs Doe Kwablah Seyenam Nyamadi and Frederick Van Dyk, was rejected by an Accra high court in August.

Simons, who had been serving as MUSIGA’s acting president following the resignation of Bice Osei Kuffour, secured a total of 324 votes, defeating his sole rival, Ras Caleb, who received 66 votes.

Hailing from a family of musicians, Simons’ musical journey began during his days at Aggrey Memorial Boarding School in Cape Coast, where he played in the school’s band. Following his early exposure to music, he continued his education at the National Academy of Music in Winneba, now known as the University of Education, Winneba. Later, he attainment a diploma from the School of Audio Engineering in London, UK.

Simons is a former member of pioneering Afro-funk group Osibisa and the current frontman of the Bessa band. He is behind hits like ‘Sii Nana’, ‘Awo Yi’ and ‘Belembe.’ He has also collaborated with big names in Ghanaian music, including Ebo Taylor, Pat Thomas, Papa Yankson, C.K. Mann, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley and the Tagoe Sisters.

Among Simons’ initial obligations at MUSIGA is the crucial task of re-establishing unity and trust among its members. In July, MUSIGA’s leadership openly expressed its disapproval of certain members who had decided to form a breakaway union.

“After the failure of their legal machinations and manoeuvring, this latest attempt to break the ranks of MUSIGA is unwarranted and must be condemned by all well-meaning musicians,” Simons said at the time.

Meanwhile, Tuesday’s polls, which saw participation from MUSIGA members across Ghana, brought several other executives into power, including Thomas Yawson as first vice-president, Abena Ruthy as second vice-president and SK Agyemang as general secretary. The rest are Eddie Eyison as national treasurer, Gifty Ghansah as national welfare officer, and Chizzy Wailer as national organiser.