Nana Poku Ashis has expressed deep concern over the recent double taxation levied on Kwabena Kwabena’s recent show, which cost a staggering GH¢460,000 to organize.

According to Nana Poku Ashis, manager of the renowned musician Kwabena Kwabena, the Ghanaian music industry is facing a major challenge as double taxation threatens to stifle its growth.

He highlighted the significant financial commitment, stating, “We invested heavily in this show.”

“It employed a large number of young people, providing them with valuable work experience and income. But to have the government double tax us on top of that is simply unacceptable.”
Nana Poku Ashis

Ashis further pointed out the irony of the situation.

“We had politicians, pastors, and even armed robbers present at the event. They all witnessed the quality of the show and the positive impact it had on the community. We urge them to use their influence to advocate for a fair and supportive tax system for the music industry.”
Nana Poku Ashis

The double taxation incident has sparked widespread concern among industry stakeholders, who fear it could set a dangerous precedent for future events.

Many argue that the government should prioritize supporting the creative sector, which plays a vital role in promoting Ghanaian culture and generating employment opportunities. “We need a government that understands the importance of the arts,” said a leading music producer who wished to remain anonymous.

“The double taxation is a clear sign of a lack of understanding and support. It’s time for the government to take a serious look at its policies and create an environment that encourages creativity and innovation.”
Anonymous music producer

The music industry is calling for immediate action from the government to address the issue of double taxation.

The industry hopes that the recent incident will serve as a wake-up call for policymakers to recognize the crucial role the arts play in the Ghanaian economy and to implement policies that foster its growth and development.

Nana Poku Ashis Fires Back at Nigerians

A heated debate erupted in the music world as Nana Poku Ashis emphatically declared that highlife music is solely a Ghanaian creation, urging Nigerians to cease any claims of ownership.

“Nigerians should relax. Highlife is only from Ghana. It’s never true that they brought highlife music, and they can never mention it anywhere.”
Nana Poku Ashis

He further emphasized that while Nigerians popularized Afrobeat, their contribution to Highlife is non-existent.

Ashis’s statement drew on the historical narrative of Highlife’s origin, citing the work of Professor John Collins, a renowned historian and expert on Highlife music.

According to Prof Collins, Highlife emerged in Cape Coast, Ghana, as Ghanaian musicians, having learned guitar playing from their colonial masters, infused their musical traditions into the instrument.

This blend of styles, further influenced by South American music, eventually evolved into the distinct genre known as Highlife.

Nana Poku Ashis further highlighted the diverse forms of Highlife music, including Onyina, Kwaw, Sakyi, and even the Ewe’s Kpaologo, further solidifying his claim that the genre is a uniquely Ghanaian art form. “Highlife has various types,” Ashis asserted.

“The Nigerians should step back because Highlife music is never theirs.”
Nana Poku Ashis

This statement has ignited a passionate discussion on social media, with many Ghanaians expressing their support for Ashis’s stance, while some Nigerians have defended their contributions to the genre.

The debate over the origin of Highlife music is likely to continue, but one thing is clear: Nana Poku Ashis’s strong statement has brought the issue to the forefront, igniting a necessary conversation about the cultural heritage and influence of Highlife music.