Waterproof throws committee into laughter over passport

Accra (Greater Accra) 2 Dec. '98 John Grahl, a comedian popularly known as ''Waterproof'', yesterday told the committee investigating visa racketeering allegations against the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) that his passport has been stolen from his residence.

He said that of his wife was also stolen and has, therefore, consulted a fetish priest to assist him to retrieve them.

Waterproof was asked by the committee to appear before it with the two passports to check the date of their arrival in Ghana from France as there is evidence that the two came back to Ghana on different dates.

Giving evidence during his second appearance before the committee, Waterproof said after being asked to present the passports, he travelled to Takoradi.

He said upon his return, he was told some people claiming to be investigators from the committee, had come to search his residence and taken away the two passports, some other documents and jewellery.

''They even took away documents on my refrigerator'', he said.

When asked whether the case has been reported to the Police, Waterproof said, ''I have taken it to a fetish priest and all the necessary rites have been performed.

''I have the assurance from him that all the documents will be found in a short time''.

However, he declined to name the fetish priest and his whereabouts throwing the whole probe into laughter. Nana Adansi-Akyem Omane, the Chairman asked Waterproof to report the case to the Police first and appear before the Committee on Tuesday, December eight, with the passports.

Meanwhile, Mr Ato Scott Bennin, a Ghanaian musician has said the prime necessity in the Ghanaian music industry is education.

Mr Bennin noted most of the renowned musicians both local and international have no basic education in music but are able to perform excellently due to the little education they had from their friends.

"I am very sure that if this is given a critical look it will go a long way to help shape the industry and build the musicians themselves, since music is a powerful industry if well organised''.

Citing an example on who qualifies to be a musician, he said ''Waterproof I know is a comedian and not a musician and therefore cannot belong to the MUSIGA''.

He appealed to government through the committee for the creation of a platform to streamline the industry.

Moses Kwaku Amo Oppong, alias Kaakaiku Jnr, appealed to the committee to invite Mr A. K. Badu, a producer, for questioning on why he is reproducing some of his father's tapes bearing different banderoles for sale.

He said there were no negotiations whatsoever between Mr. Badu and himself and no royalties have been paid.