MUSIGA elections in limbo over covid-19 pandemic

The National Elections Committee of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) is expected to announce the postponement of the elections of its national executives due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The MUSIGA election, which was scheduled for June 24, had to be rescheduled to a later date following requests by a number of industry stakeholders.

A source at MUSIGA told Beatwaves that the union considered the current circumstances regarding the pandemic and its devastating effects on life, health and the economy of all sectors.

The nature of the Covid-19 pandemic will endanger the lives of members who will take part in the elections as they will not be able to practice the social distancing measure put in place to prevent the spread of the virus.

According to him, the outbreak of the disease would have adverse effects on the success of the elections, should it be held on the original date.

The union’s National Election Committee (NEC), BEATWAVES gathered, was expected to announce a new date as soon as the threat of the virus blew over.

In all, eight candidates are contesting for the presidency, first and second vice presidents and general secretary.

Candidates for the three other positions – treasurer, organizer and welfare officer are going unopposed.

For the MUSIGA presidency, Bessa Simons, who has served as the national vice-president for the past eight years, is going against Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi, who is the current chairman of the Greater Accra Region. Gospel artiste, Rev. Dr Harry Thomas Yawson and CEO of Lynx Entertainment, Richard Karikari Mensah, will contest for the first vice-president position.

Also going for the second vice-president slot are gospel artistes, Deborah Freeman and Ruth Benny Wood, aka Abena Ruthy. Sylvia Bosompem Amponsah and Samuel Kofi Agyemang are contesting in the general secretary race.

Gifty Ghansah is vying for the national welfare officer, with Rev. Edward Edusa-Eyison eyeing the national treasurer position.

Chizzy Nii Adu Wailer is standing for the position of national organizer.