Musicians to be encouraged to play rightful role

The Vice-President Professor John Evans Atta Mills today said the government will encourage musicians to enable them to play their rightful role in the socio-economic development of the country. Professor Mills said government will act as facilitator for the promotion of the music industry and asked musicians to close their ranks to enable them to present a common front. Professor Mills was speaking when a nine-member committee, appointed by government to help resolve a rumpus in the Musicians Union of Ghana, presented its report. He asked all musicians to discontinue suits they have filed against their colleagues at the courts to allow the union to "make a fresh start". Mr. Norbert Awulley, Member of Parliament for Builsa South and chairman of the committee, said the report reflected the views of all its members and was hopeful that if implemented, it will give a big boost to the industry. Mr Awulley called for a management board to regulate activities in the industry and a national policy on music to give a balance to the playing of local and foreign music by radio stations. Mr Faisal Helwani, ace music producer and member of the committee, said he has dropped all writs he filed against some members of the union. Mr. Joe Mensah, musician and member of the committee, commended government for granting them audience and said it was the first time "any government has shown such interest in affairs of musicians". Among those present included highlife stars, Rex Omar and Nat Brew.