The enormous contributions of stakeholders in gospel music in Ghana, will July this year be recognised in the maiden edition of the Ghana Gospel Music Awards (GGMA). Organisers say they deem it appropriate to award gospel musicians, song writers, producers, distributors etc. who have diligently and industriously upheld gospel music in Ghana over the years. JAKA EVENTS say it is their "desire and determination to recognize excellence in gospel music that has won the hearts of fans across Africa." Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of JAKA EVENTS, Joseph Asare Kwabena Adjei, said: “It has become very frustrating for many gospel musicians that the exceptional and diverse talents that abound in gospel music in Ghana in particular have not been accorded the attention needed from the mainstream music gatekeepers”. Mr. Joseph Asarenoted that “these awards are unique in the sense that it’s an all-time and the entries for the categories will span from 1990 to 2012.” He added that “this time period has become necessary because GGMA wants to bring to the fore pioneers who in ‘yester-years’ showcased their classical talent in gospel music and aroused the appetite of the gospel loving public.” Mindful of various kinds of genres in the gospel music industry, GGMA will consider for eligibility gospel music that are: Substantially based upon historically orthodox Christian truth contained in or derived from the Holy Bible; An expression of worship of God or praise for His works and /or; Testimony of relationship with God through Christ and/or; Obviously prompted and informed by a Christian world view. Seventeen categories have been identified for the awards. The official opening of the first ever GGMA nominations will be announced at a later date, where organizers will take the opportunity to explain in detail the format the awards are going to take.