Last week Tuesday at the Conference Room of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), history was made when almost all those who matter in the music industry including fussing members of the union who had gone to form a rival association for the first time in so many years came together for unity talks.

In the process, MUSIGA pardoned and reinstated the former General Secretary of the union, Nana Kwame Ampadu I and CK Morrison, also a former welfare officer of the union and the euphoria that greeted the announcement was overwhelming.

This was after the meetings of the regional bodies of MUSIGA (NEC) had earlier upheld an appeal from members to reconsider their decision of the suspension of the two personalities. The two incurred the wrath of members when they, especially Nana Ampadu, decided to join a rival collective society and as members of the functional executive they were also not supposed to ally themselves with any political party, a contract which they breached, as it was against their constitution, leading to their suspension.

Subsequently at the meeting, their suspension was revoked. After that, Nana Ampadu on behalf of CK Morrison also, remorselessly conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to the president and the members for lifting the suspension and reinstating them.

Also present at the stakeholders’ meeting was the immediate past President of the union, Alhaji Sidiku Buari, Carlos Sakyi, Kojo Antwi, Amarh Pino, Amandzeba, Mark Okraku, K.K. Kabobo, Gyedu Blay Ambuley, Paapa Yankson, Obour, King David and a host of others including reps from GHASCAP, VEMA, CAMA, SPAG, NASGAMP. The rest were AMRO, REPPAGH and PROMAC who were all happy with the new wind that was blowing through the industry. The meeting attracted a large number of members who met to discuss a few knotty issues affecting the growth of the industry.

It was decided that the President should contact her NEC members to inform them about the new development within two weeks before they are officially re-instated. The meeting went agog when Alhaji Sidiku Buari entered the hall as he joined members for the first time since leaving office almost four years ago, especially meeting his rivals. He appealed to them to forget the past and unite for a common purpose. He pleaded for forgiveness if he had offended any of them in the course of his duty. It was a wonderful scene as he embraced members and some of his avowed critics amid joy and it showed that the reconciliation process initiated by the president was on course.

The chairman for the occasion, Mr. Carlos Sakyi, himself an avowed critic of MUSIGA, was glad they had all come together to find ways to unite to promote the music industry. He also seized the opportunity to update members of the role of GHAMRO (Ghana Music Rights Organization) which had replaced the liquidated COSGA and Collective Management Organization (CMO) for creators and owners of Copyright Musical Works.

Other issues discussed included the government policy on music and the creative industry, especially the formation of a Music Council as well as a publishing company to educate members on the importance of such society.