The fifth edition of the Musicians’ Union of Ghana (MUSIGA)’s annual presidential grand ball came off at the State Banquet Hall in Accra yesterday, December 29.

Compered by seasoned broadcaster and reigning GJA Journalist of the year, the glamorous event was graced by H.E Nana Akufo Addo, former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, Hon. Ken Agyapong, and a host of other government officials and stakeholders in Ghana’s music industry.

The gala was put together to raise funds for the Aging Musician’s Welfare Fund, as well as the MUSIGA Academy.

In his speech, president of the union Bice Osei Kuffour (Obour) reiterated the motive of the Aging Musicians’ Welfare Fund as an essential initiative to secure the wellbeing and dignity of musicians in the welfare of their careers. He also touched on new projects his administration is rolling g out, such as the Play More Campaign, as well as the Future Project.

Musical performances on the night came from singer Becca, who rendered a touching tribute to Awurama Badu, before submitting her own songs, “Bronya” boys Wutah (who also did a tribute to late highlife great Paapa Yankson), Nana Ampadu, AB Crentsil, Daddy Lumba, and Ivorian megastar Freddy Meiway.

National Petroleum Authority (NPA) boss Hassan Tampuli served as board chairman for the MUSIGA Grand Ball 2017.

Lifetime Achievement Honours were presented to 5 deserving recipients: Nana Ampadu (creditec with over 100 albums), Jewel Aka (author of 27 albums), Obuoba J.A Adofo, Fante vocal legend CK Mann, and “Moses” songer A.B Crentsil. They all took home ?10,000, as well as a promise by Hon. Ken Agyapong to give them a monthly donation of ?5000 each for the rest of their lives.

Key items were also auctioned to support the Aging Musicians Welfare Fund, such as Paapa Yankson’s trumpet and flute as well as a painting of.f his, Awurama Badu’s acoustic guitar, and Agya Koo Nimo’s pentatonic xylofon.

President Akufo Addo, in his submission, hailed the efforts of musicians both old and new, reassuring of his support for that arm of the creative arts industry, and also purchased special souvenirs at an undisclosed amount.