Ghana’s president receives family of late music veterans

Akufo-Addo condoled with the families and said the state would work towards giving the departed artists a deserved burial.

“The nation is the poorer without [CK Mann and Jewel Ackah] and their music will continue to inspire many generations to come,” Akufo-Addo said.

The meeting between the president and the musicians' families was witnessed by a delegation from the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO). MUSIGA president Bice Osei Kuffour thanked the president and the government for their support of the music industry.

Akufo-Addo hosted Mann and Ackah at last year’s MUSIGA-organised Presidential Grand Ball on 29 December.

Besides Akufo-Addo, other government officials at this week's meeting included chief of staff Frema Opare and his deputy, Francis Asenso Okyere. MUSIGA was represented by first vice-president Bessa Simons, second vice-president Thomas Yawson and others. GHAMRO was represented by operations coordinator Yaw Osbourne and welfare committee chairperson Augustina Addison.

From the music industry, Ricky Nana Agyeman, head of Rufftown Records, the label responsible for releasing music from the late singer Ebony, was also present. Agyeman, who was with his new protégé, Wendy Shay, said he was thankful for the state’s contributions to Ebony's funeral.

The family of CK Mann, who died in March, had earlier visited former president John Kuffour to inform him of the late musician's funeral rites. Kuffour called CK Mann “a personal friend” and praised his work and its effect on Ghanaian society.

While CK Mann’s burial ceremony is expected to take place in Takoradi from 13 to 15 July, Jewel Ackah’s will take place in Tema from 3 to 5 August.