Kumasi – Ghana A presidential aspirant contesting the musicians union of Ghana’s upcoming election Mrs. Deborah Freeman is highly tipped of becoming the next president of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA).
Speaking at Kumasi cultural center today after the launch of her manifesto, members of the Ashanti regional MUSIGA bemoaned that they have suffered as musicians under the previous administration and are in the high spirit that the time has come for Deborah to come and liberate them.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with our reporter, Mrs. Freeman lamented that musicians are stars but they end up regretting of being musicians because of unsustainable policies.
Launching the manifesto, Mrs. Freeman said as a Woman, full of potentials, I am enthused by the fact that I can deliver and I would, therefore, have no reason not to perform when given the opportunity. I am known to be resolute, workaholic and result-oriented. As a Trade Unionist, I have been trained to have a stronger voice especially when it comes to advancing the course and promoting the interest of members. I am ready to grab the opportunity. I will be the President.
I have the track record and I can make a difference as the President of the Union. I am a mother and I am full of love and care. Motherhood has made me even better and this translates into the extra length I can go to get results in every one of my endeavors. Taking up the mantle as the President of the Union is yet another task I can perform spectacularly for the kind of person I know myself to be and also the capacity that I have built. She added.
Dr. James Kwegyir Aggrey said,” If you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a Woman you educate a whole Nation”. Brigham Young could also not be wrong by saying: “You educate a man, you Educate a man, You Educate a Woman; you educate a generation”. When given the nod, the Woman in me will transform MUSIGA to the admiration of all. She whispered.
The projects she envisage to undertake during her 1st four year term are based on the five key thematic areas mentioned include, Stakeholders’ engagement. uniting union members and other industry players, MUSIGA national welfare fund, advocacy and campaigns, music library, globalizing MUSIGA, finance committee, audit committee, office accommodation, land acquisition, musical instrument and live bands, rehearsal and recording studios, TV and radio stations, workshops and training programmes, biennial delegates conference/constitutional review among others.
Kofi Duodu, popularly known as Kofi Spirit, one of the members said the industry is like gold but I don’t know if they’re not seeing it or someone is just making fun of it …those managing it don’t have the requisite knowledge in managing such an industry”. I think those managing the industry now are playing with it. Its high time Deborah takes the seat to save musicians.
After a prolonged legal tussle, the Musicians Union of Ghana will hold its elections on January 22 next year. The handing-over ceremony of the executive will also take place on February 11 next year.
In tandem with this, nominations for the various positions, both at the regional and national levels will be opened on 17th September 2021.
A new National Election Committee, appointed by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey, will oversee the elections.
The election which was initially scheduled for 29th June 2019 was called off after one of the Presidential Aspirants, Ras Caleb Appiah filed for a court injunction due to some anomalies in the voter’s register and the entire voting procedure.
We have an answer in January, barring any untoward occurrences.