Musicians Union of Ghana: We need to improve

The explanation comes on the heels of criticism of the union’s management of the funds. Radio personality Kofu Okyere Darko has been particularly vocal.

“How has it affected the musicians in this country? It was a nonsense research. They found a way of trying to account for it but how has it benefitted the musicians?” he queried. “I think that we can’t have musicians in charge of the musicians and not use the money given by government in a judicious way to affect everyone positively. People earn next to nothing in royalties.”

MUSIGA’s director of communications and special projects, Ahuma Ocansey, said Ghana’s music industry benefited from the research carried out with the money by respected auditing firm KPMG. Some of the benefits, Ocansey said, was the recommendation that a different ministry be established for the creative arts industry. Another product of the research was the MUSIGA Academy.

“The foremost result is the availability or reliable data. Prior to this study, researchers, policymakers and industry workers had no such material for their work,” Ocansey told Music in Africa. “This means that going forward there is material that will allow for the development of a business for state support. It also provides insights for investors into the sector who require reliable and credible information instead of guesswork.

“Some key recommendations, like the reintroduction of music education in the public school curriculum, tax rebates for investors and waiving VAT on tickets for performances, require action. Following the launching of the study by president John Dramani Mahama, there is the need for the government to move to the implementation stage. The Union is engaging the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Catherine Abelema Afeku, and other appropriate MDAs for implementation.”

MUSIGA presdient Bice Osei Kuffour took to Facebook to post the KPMG report and respond to MUSIGA’s detractors. “The Comprehensive Study of the Music Sector in Ghana (full and abridged versions) have been published in hard copy and online since 2014 but it seems some key industry players have still not read it,” he wrote. “Please drop an email to musigaonline@gmail.com and our office will mail you a copy.”

He then added: "If you keep knowledge in the book, you hide it from the black man. It's sad that this is still happening in our lifetime.”

Asked if the real issue was MUSIGA’s interaction with interested parties, Ocansey said: “Communication with our stakeholders is ongoing and I agree we need to keep improving our processes.”