MUSIGA Grateful To Government

The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has commended the government for removing import duty on musical instruments.

The President of MUSIGA, Alhaji Sidiku Buari, who expressed gratitude on behalf of the musicians in an interview, said the gesture would go a long way to revive the music industry which was on the verge of collapse.

He also expressed the hope that when the matter was presented to the House, Parliament would unanimously endorse the relief which was announced by the Finance Minister, Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo, as part of wide ranging tax reliefs in this year?s budget to parliament last Thursday.

Alhaji Buari said the decision by the government would make it possible for musicians to improve their status and contribute to tourism development and promotion in the country as well as create jobs for the youth.

He said the move would go a long way to help musicians to acquire their own musical instruments to record with songs and also revive live band music.

Alhaji Buari whose house was besieged by musicians last Friday following the announcement to show their appreciation to the government called on musicians to reciprocate the gesture by paying their taxes promptly.

Alhaji Buari who looked elated for the prompt response to the appeal he made to the President at the People?s Assembly in Accra last month, was hopeful that Parliament would expedite action on the Copyright Bill before it to stop pirates from feeding fat on the sweat of musicians.

He said the punishment outline in the bill is not deterrent enough and appealed to Parliament to impose a fine of 50 million cedis or a five-year imprisonment on persons who pirate the works of musicians.

Asked for their reactions to the government?s decision, musicians such as Pozo Hayes, Tic Tac, Thomas Frimpong, A. B. Crenstil, welcomed the government?s gesture and said it would go a long way to promote the music industry.