Musicians Union of Ghana to host national capacity building workshop

Since its incorporation in December 1975, the trade organisation has operated with the vision of promoting Ghanaian culture through education and fostering self-reliance and creativity in musicians.

Dubbed Advancing African Musician Unions, the workshop aims to strengthen MUSIGA’s capabilities and will be led by the deputy general secretary of the International Federation of Musicians, Thomas Dayan, and Swedish Musicians Federation member Jonas Franzen.

Dayan and Franzen will lead interactive sessions, discussions and strategic planning, focusing on integrating gender equality and improving financial stability, key factors for the development of these associations. It will also serve as a forum for attendees to share ideas, identify successful methods, and explore innovative solutions to the challenges confronting African musician unions.

“This capacity-building initiative is a significant step towards empowering our union leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to drive positive change in the music industry,” MUSIGA president Bessa Simons said. “We are committed to fostering a more inclusive and financially robust environment for musicians in Ghana and beyond.”

The latest workshop arrives on the heels of a two-day seminar in June in Tamale, focusing on leveraging digital tools to generate revenue.

Starting next year, MUSIGA will introduce a special award for the highlife category winners at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards. Speaking to Accra-based Joy FM recently, Simons revealed that the initiative is part of MUSIGA’s efforts to safeguard highlife music and noted that the prize would offer more than just a cash reward.

Meanwhile, MUSIGA recently renewed its partnership with SIC Life Insurance to continue offering coverage for its members. First established in 2021, the arrangement offers crucial support during illness and alleviates financial burdens for families. Simons emphasised the importance of having protection against unforeseen emergencies.

“For a long time, MUSIGA has been aiming for insurance that supports the welfare of members so I was so glad when we got a call from SIC Life,” Simons said when the policy was first rolled out in 2021. “We believe our numbers will grow and more members will sign on.”