The Board of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) has introduced a new Swing Period policy aimed at ensuring songs released late in the year are not disadvantaged in the awards scheme.

In a statement issued on Monday, March 16, the policy, which has been implemented in the 27th edition of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards, allows songs released in December of the eligibility year to be considered in the following awards year, provided they meet specific qualification requirements

According to the TGMA Board, the new policy was introduced after three years of consultations and engagement with stakeholders within the Ghanaian music industry.

The Board explained that the move forms part of efforts to ensure fairness within the awards scheme, particularly for songs that achieve significant impact despite being released close to the end of the eligibility period.

Under the policy, a song must meet three main criteria to qualify for consideration in the following awards year.

First, the song must have been released in December of the eligibility year. Secondly, it must demonstrate measurable impact within the review period. Lastly, the song must not have received a nomination in the previous edition of the awards.

The Board noted that the new policy seeks to address long-standing concerns that songs released late in the year often struggle to gain sufficient visibility and traction before award nominations are finalised.

As part of the newly introduced arrangement, two songs have secured nominations in the 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards under the Swing Period policy.

They include “Messiah” by Sarkodie featuring Kweku Flick and “Excellent” by Kojo Blak featuring Kelvyn Boy.

According to the TGMA Board, both songs gained significant audience engagement and industry traction after their release, highlighting the exact challenge the Swing Period policy was designed to address.

The Board believes the initiative strengthens the credibility of the awards and aligns the scheme more closely with the realities of the modern music industry.

It added that the Telecel Ghana Music Awards remain committed to recognising excellence while adapting to evolving industry dynamics, including shifting music release cycles, digital consumption trends and growing global audiences for Ghanaian music.

"The Telecel Ghana Music Awards remains committed to refining its processes in ways that protect credibility while ensuring deserving works receive recognition," the statement concluded.