Abena Ruthy, the second Vice President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), has outlined some initiatives the association is embarking on to help improve the lives of its members.
Abena mentioned that MUSIGA has for the past years, paid critical attention to the welfare of its members.
She noted that apart from the usual welfare contributions they do, they also have a group insurance policy with SIC Life.
According to the ‘Lala’ singer, the aged in the union, do not pay insurance premiums by themselves.
“For the elderly ones, they don’t even pay [their premiums]. MUSIGA pays for them. So, members of the Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWeF), they are not the ones that pay for their insurance. MUSIGA pays for them.
“We sign them on automatically. Once you clock 60 years, you automatically won’t pay for your insurance. MUSIGA will do that for you.”
Abena Ruthy
She explained that MUSIGA’s partnership agreement with SIC Life allows their members to have insurance packages by paying 100 cedis as a premium.
Abena Ruthy added that the Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund which was instituted during the tenure of Bice ‘Obour’ Osei Kuffour, is still active.
She said this fund is raised through events they organize and donations from individuals.
“It was the MUSIGA Grand Ball that was previously used to fund it but we haven’t had it for some time now. Last year, when we had Ghana Music Month in March, we had a highlife concert at +233 Jazz Bar and Grill. There, we raised funds and we used that for the coffers. This year we are going to do the same.”
Abena Ruthy
MUSIGA was founded on December 9, 1975, with the primary objective of uniting musicians under a single organization to safeguard their rights, advance their interests, and advance the Ghanaian music business.
Abena Ruthy Clarifies Okomfour Kwadee’s Membership Status
The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) responded to criticism over its perceived lack of support for hiplife musician Okomfour Kwadee, clarifying that he is not currently a member of the union.
MUSIGA’s 2nd Vice President, Abena Ruthy, stated that despite Kwadee not being an active member, the union has assisted him in the past and remains committed to offering support on humanitarian grounds.
“There was news about Kwadee recently. He is not even a member now. But our President was on us to link him up to Kwadee. So that is the kind of thing we are doing. We are a family.”
Abena Ruthy
She further emphasized that MUSIGA is a welfare-driven organization dedicated to improving the livelihoods of its members, urging musicians to actively participate in welfare and insurance policies.
According to her, there is a widespread misconception that every musician in Ghana is automatically a member of MUSIGA.
“There is a narrative out there that so far as someone sings, everybody thinks that you are part of us. So we have members in good standing. So as it stands, he is not a member in good standing.”
Abena Ruthy
In 2018, MUSIGA, under the leadership of Ras Caleb Appiah, visited Kwadee at the Willing Ways Foundation rehabilitation center in Kumasi, where they made donations to support his recovery.
Meanwhile, recent reports indicate that the musician’s mental health has worsened, reigniting public concern about his well-being.
Okomfour Kwadee, born Jerry Anaba, was a prominent figure in Ghana’s hiplife scene in the early 2000s, known for hit songs such as ‘Abrantie’, ‘Ofie Nipa’, ‘Meko M’anim’, Y’eko Mmaa Pe’, ‘Ataa Adwoa’, and ‘Boyz Boyz’.
His unique storytelling style and distinct voice made him a household name in the industry.
However, struggles with mental health and substance abuse in recent years have derailed his career, pushing him out of the limelight.
With growing concerns about his condition, the discussion surrounding his future and well-being continues within the industry.
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