George Quaye – Charterhouse Head of Communication
Organisers of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), Charterhouse Productions, have apologised to the patrons and millions of viewers of television and social media in Ghana and all others over the world for the security breach that marred the event in the wee hours of Sunday at the premises of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
A statement signed by its Head of Communication, George Quaye, said Charterhouse has taken serious exception to the incident which happened at the award and would ensure that the needed sanctions are applied.
The organisation also apologised to the main sponsor of the event, Vodafone, as well as other sponsors and partners such as Media General, YFM, Multichoice and other international representatives from BET International, Afro Zons and MTV Base.
Again, it apologised to the Barbara Oteng Gyasi (Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture), Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey (Minister for Foreign Affairs), George Andah (Deputy Minister for Communications) and other important government officials and diplomats present at the event.
The organisers also apologised to the international visitors, which include the CEO of Mobo Awards UK, Kanya King CBE representatives from Sony Music, Mr. Ben Oldfield from The Orchard, Phil Phillips, Alison Hinds and other representatives of the Barbados Ministry of Tourism & Creative Economy, who were present at the event.
Vodafone, title sponsor of VGMA, in its statement has also said it would continue to support the music industry despite a scuffle between the two rival artistes.
The telecommunication giant added that although the scuffle which ensued on stage is regrettable, it acknowledges that a large number of players in the industry do not subscribe to such conduct.
“For now, our passion for music and for the industry remains solid. We look forward to an exciting future for the industry,” statement said.
“For now, our passion for music and for the industry remains solid. We look forward to an exciting future for the industry,” it further added.
Stonebwoy has also apologised for his actions which brought some form of eruption at the show.
In his statement, he admitted that he is partly to be blamed for the confrontation with Shatta Wale.
He, therefore, expressed regret at the incident which led to a hold-up at Ghana music’s biggest night. The Burniton Music Group artiste also tried to defend his actions, as he blamed fellow dancehall artiste Shatta Wale for starting the feud.
He explained that he has been a victim of incessant vilification and physical attacks in recent times.
All the statements followed the unfortunate brawl which happened at the just-ended VGMA event held at the AICC Dome, which is being condemned by most Ghanaians. The incident occurred after Shatta Wale walked up on stage when Stonebwoy was about giving his acceptance speech for winning reggae/dancehall artiste of the year.