A scene during the presentation
Over 20 aged musicians in the Greater Accra Region have, through the national executive of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), received food items from the Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWEF).
The Accra presentation, which took place at the national headquarters of the union located at the old passport office, was graced by some of the national executives as well as a section of musicians.
The distribution, according to MUSIGA, started last Friday with Greater Accra members of AMWeF, and would be followed by other regions which include Volta, Eastern, Western and Central regions. The Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Brong Ahafo and Ashanti regions would begin next week.
The fund is an initiative to support aged musicians who are 60 years and above and those who become incapacitated in the course of their careers.
Since its establishment in August 2013, AMWeF has made cash distributions to musicians across the country, organized a health screening exercise and supported aged and incapacitated musicians in need.
In an interview with BEATWAVES after the distribution on Friday, the Acting President of the union, Bessa Simons, indicated that the distribution is part of the union’s support for aged and incapacitated musicians in the country.
He said the donated food items to aged musicians were donations received from some individuals and corporate organizations.
He expressed his appreciation to Corporate Ghana for the support they had rendered to the fund to enable the union support the veterans.
Some beneficiaries who were veteran musicians included Naa Amamua of Wulomei fame, Bob Pinodo, Pastor Duah, Efua Dokunu, J.V Owusu, C.K Morrision and Asabea Cropper among others.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Bob Pinodo expressed gratitude for the union’s effort to seek their welfare.
“I am very grateful to the leadership of the union for their continued support for our generation of musicians,” he added.
Ahuma Bosco Ocansey, Director of Communications and Special Projects at MUSIGA, on his part, indicated that the leadership of the union had put in place initiatives to ensure that the ageing musicians were adequately catered for.
Meanwhile MUSIGA is yet to announce the date and venue for this year’s edition of its annual event dubbed, “MUSIGA Grand Ball”.
The MUSIGA Grand Ball is a fund raising event in support of AMWeF and the MUSIGA Academy. The event will be attended by captains of industry and state officials.
By George Clifford Owusu