Research work on Ghanaian music industry ready

The much awaited Musiga-commissioned KPMG Comprehensive Study of the Ghanaian Music Sector was officially launched by Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, Minister for Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts; and the first copy presented to President Mahama at the 2015 Musiga Grand Ball held at the Banquet Hall of the State House on Friday, September 4, 2015.

In 2012 MUSIGA sought out to collate economic information on the music sector to enable it prepare a medium-term strategic plan, in line with the Government of Ghana’s medium term plan known as the Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda (2010–2013).

In that year’s National Budget, the Government of Ghana allocated two million Ghana cedis primarily to conduct this Comprehensive Research, organize Ghana Music Week 2013 and for capacity building of Musiga, and other music industries organizations. KPMG was therefore commissioned in by the Union to undertake a comprehensive study into the sector.

The 292-page Final Report (also, an abridged version of 44 pages) primarily provides baseline data and assessment of the contribution of the music sector to economy of Ghana.

“With this report, one would understand and explain the structure and functioning of Ghana’s music industry. The report clearly identifies its areas of strength and weakness and would certainly stimulate discussion both within the music industry and between the music industry, government and other interested organizations as to what projects and processes would be most useful in building the Ghanaian music industry” says Daniel S. Adoteye of KPMG.

Information in this Report would also be used to justify investments into the sector and attract more stakeholder attention to the industry and promote strategies for growth.

The document will also form the framework for the formulation of government policy on the music industry as well as provide the basis for the formulation or amendment to existing legislation on the industry.

According to Musiga, 10,0000 copies of the abridged version will be printed and circulated nationwide within the next 3 months. The Comprehensive Study of the Music Sector in Ghana was Commissioned by Musicians Union of Ghana, Funded by the Government of Ghana with supported from World Bank, Vodafone, Ideal Finance, Kasapreko Company Ltd and Midland Savings & Loans.

Receiving the Final Report on behalf of Government, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, reiterated one of the key recommendation based on the findings from the study.

“I think the recommendation that value added tax on ticket sale should be removed to reduce the price of tickets for live shows, is seriously worth considering”, Mrs. Ofosu-Agyare said at the Launch.