Students from the Department of Music at the University of Ghana’s School of Performing Arts have been urged to join the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and play an active role in shaping the future of the country’s music industry.
The call was made during a seminar organised by the Department of Music in collaboration with MUSIGA under the theme: “The Role of MUSIGA in the Music Industry.”
Abena Ruthy, 2nd Vice President of MUSIGA, encouraged students to see themselves not only as scholars but also as practitioners with a responsibility to contribute their knowledge and talent to the Union and the broader industry.
She outlined the Union’s contributions over the years, including advocacy for the establishment of the Copyright Office in Ghana, support for professional development through capacity-building programmes, the creation of the Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWeF), and the establishment of a Women’s Desk to address issues affecting female musicians.
MUSIGA’s 1st Vice President, Rev. Dr. Thomas Yawson, also stressed the importance of a strong Union to protect musicians’ welfare and promote policies that support the growth of the industry.
Attendees raised concerns about ongoing challenges in the sector, including weak copyright enforcement, the prevalence of obscene lyrics, and the lack of recognition for choral and regimental music in awards schemes.
Dr. Benjamin Amakye-Boateng, Head of the Department of Music, expressed gratitude to MUSIGA for the engagement and called for closer collaboration, particularly with choral musicians. Dr. Peter Twum-Barimah, who coordinated the seminar, urged the Union to make such interactions a regular part of the academic calendar. Lecturer Dr. Doe Sunu welcomed the initiative and expressed hope for the revival of the MUSIGA Academy, potentially in partnership with the university.
The seminar formed part of activities marking MUSIGA’s Golden Jubilee. Other events lined up include an Authentic Highlife Night at +233 Jazz Bar and Grill this Saturday, a Golden Jubilee Night on 25 October, and the She Rhythms Ghana Festival from 4 to 6 December at Alliance Française.
