The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) honoured former President John Dramani Mahama at its Golden Jubilee Soiree at the Labadi Beach Hotel on Saturday, 29th November, 2025.
The ceremony was held under the auspices of the Ga Mantse, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, who was represented by Nii Adote Odaawulu I, Sempe Akweiman Mantse and Paramount Muslim Akwashongtse.
MUSIGA presented a special award to President Mahama for his support for Ghana’s creative industries, particularly the music sector. The honour was received on his behalf by Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo.
The citation, delivered during the Ghana Music Honours segment of the Soiree, praised President Mahama for “Recognizing that the heart of Ghana’s Music Industry beats in the lives of its people and is secured by its institutions.”
It described him as a compassionate advocate for ageing and struggling musicians whose interventions have given dignity and comfort to pioneers of Ghanaian music. It also commended his leadership in setting up the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, noting that “You have consistently invested in the humanity behind the music and the future of the art.”
Other honourees included veteran ethnomusicologist Professor Edmond John Collins and former MUSIGA Presidents Agya Koo Nimo, Alhaji Sidiku Buari, Diana Hopeson and Bice (Obour) Osei Kuffour. UK-based promoter Freddie Annan, Dr Adrian Odoi Oddoye, CEO of +233 and the Ghana Jazz Foundation, and the longest-serving MUSIGA Chairman Ben Kolaan, who retired last year, also received awards.
The Soiree attracted personalities such as Edmond Moukala, Head of UNESCO Ghana, and H.E. Thando Dalamba, South African Ambassador to Ghana. Industry leaders, musicians and other stakeholders were also present. Performances came from Obrafour, Pat Thomas, Smart Nkansah, Adane Best and Asabea Cropper, with Mr Moukala joining the Bessa Band for a brief percussion act.
A commemorative book titled “The MUSIGA Story”, chronicling the union’s 50 year journey, was auctioned. Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe secured a copy for GHC 10,000. Other copies were purchased by Charterhouse CEO Mrs Theresa Ayoade, US-based businessman Kobi Manful and Ahotor FM. Nana Oye Bampoe assured creative industry players of continued government backing, while Mr Moukala stressed the sector’s importance to Ghana’s 24 hour economy and called for further investment.
The celebration not only recognised President Mahama on his birthday but also highlighted MUSIGA’s legacy and its commitment to strengthening Ghana’s music and creative industries as contributors to cultural and economic growth. The event, organised by Showbiz Africa with support from Stanbic Bank, Club Beer and Telecel, also saw the launch of three flagship MUSIGA events: Ghana Music Honour 2026, The MUSIGA Presidential Grand Ball and Live Band City, all slated for next year.
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