Students from the Department of Music at the University of Ghana’s School of Performing Arts have been encouraged to join the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and take an active role in shaping the future of Ghana’s music industry.

The appeal came during a seminar held at the university, 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, urged students to see themselves not only as scholars but also as practitioners with a duty to contribute their knowledge and talents to the Union and the broader music sector.

She outlined the Union’s history and major contributions to the industry, including its 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 formation of a Women’s Desk to address issues affecting female musicians.

Rev. Dr. Thomas Yawson, MUSIGA’s 1st Vice President, stressed the need for a strong Union to protect the welfare of musicians and to promote policies that support the growth of the industry. Attendees expressed interest in MUSIGA’s efforts to address ongoing challenges, including weak copyright enforcement, the prevalence of obscene lyrics, and the underrepresentation of choral and regimental music in awards schemes.

Dr. Benjamin Amakye-Boateng, Head of the Department of Music, thanked MUSIGA for the engagement and encouraged further collaboration, especially with choral musicians. Dr. Peter Twum-Barimah, who coordinated the seminar, urged MUSIGA to make such engagements a regular occurrence on the academic calendar. Dr. Doe Sunu, a lecturer in the department, welcomed the initiative and expressed hope for the revival of the MUSIGA Academy, possibly in partnership with the university.

The seminar was part of activities marking MUSIGA’s Golden Jubilee. Other upcoming events include an Authentic Highlife Night at the +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.