Candidates aspiring to take up mantle of leadership of the Musicians Union of Ghana, MUSIGA, last Saturday had their policies put to a strict scrutiny a debate powered by Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z entertainment programme.

The Event held at Labadi Beach Hotel, brought the three aspirants, Bessa Simons, Deborah Freeman and Ras Caleb Appiah Levi before industry stakeholders.

George Quaye, moderator of the programme, gave all the aspirants opportunity to present their manifestoes with alternative solutions to MUSIGA’s woes, and later put their presentation to strict scrutiny through thought-provoking questions.

Consequently, the gathering made up of musicians, journalists and others in the music value chain were given the opportunity to ask the aspirants questions.

The Acting President, Bessa Simons, who has once served as First Vice and National Organiser, in his presentation said, as part of his plans to make MUSIGA attractive, he would introduce a professional training and exchange programmes to expand the scope of knowledge of musicians.

Also, he promised to strengthen the Regional bodies, and champion digitisation agenda  as well as an insurance policy to attract more musicians.

Madam Deborah Freeman, who was once a secretary of the union on her part said, her  policies would protect creative and performing right, develop talent,and improve copyright.

“I will champion cultural exchange, welfare and insurance policies, and ensure accountability to ensure a strong union,”she said.

She promised befitting offices for all the regions in her first 100 days in office and review the constitution of the union.

Ras Caleb Appiah Levi, who is the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of MUSIGA, noted that he was ready to unify the group, and lead them on a path which would make the union more attractive than it was.

He said high on his agenda was a review of the constitution because the union needed a cleansing to ensure music industry was respected.

MUSIGA is set to go to the polls on January 12, 2022, to elect a new president to succeed, Bice Osei Kuffour, affectionately called Obour.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme