Obour presenting a certificate of appreciation to Rebecca Akufo-Addo
As part of her commitment to support the arts and culture in Ghana, the wife of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, has donated an amount of GH¢5,000 to the Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWeF), operated by the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA).
Making the presentation, Mrs Akufo-Addo stated that her decision to make the donation is due to the deep concern both she and her husband, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, have for the welfare of the older generation as well as those in the creative industry.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the fund, MUSIGA President Bice Osei Kuffour expressed the union’s appreciation for the donation and thanked her for her benevolence.
The AMWeF was launched three years ago as part of the AJUMAPA vision of Bice Osei Kuffour to raise funds to support the many ageing and elderly musicians who are currently going through various degrees of emotional and financial challenges.
The fund will make periodic financial distributions to support qualified musicians above 60 years and disabled musicians in times of need.
The fund is being managed by a nine-member executive committee chaired by Nana Kwame Ampadu, with J.V Owusu as secretary and Dr Edward Soga and Ms Asabea Cropper, veteran highlife musician as first and second vice chairpersons respectively.
Other members of the executive include Ben Ali Kolan as treasurer, K.K Yeboah veteran highlife musician, member; Nana Yepemso, member; Naa Amanua of Wulomei fame, member and Bice Osei Kuffour, MUSIGA president, member.
The objective of AMWeF, according to Obour, “Is to register and organise members of MUSIGA 60 years and above, for a common purpose with regards to their welfare; to register and establish a database of musicians who have become incapacitated during their musical lives and to register all targeted beneficiaries with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).”
Other objectives, he said, “Are to assist musicians financially or in kind during severe illness or death and to compile their musical works and market them to support the artistes and the fund.”