TUC to organize musical concert against poverty

Accra August 16, GNA - The Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) would on Saturday September 3, this year, organise a musical concert dubbed: "Thumbs Down 2 POVERTY" in aid of poverty eradication.

The concert, which, is aimed at creating a platform that would give Africa a powerful voice in the eradication of poverty from the Continent, would form part of the TUC's 60th anniversary celebration. Mr Joseph Newlove Atopley, Acting Secretary-General of the TUC, at a press conference on Tuesday said: "The TUC joins the global call against poverty by organising the concert from 12 noon to 22 hours" on that day. The concert, he said, was targeted to attract a capacity audience of more than 50,000 people and formed part of the global call against extreme poverty in Africa launched by Nelson Mandela in January this year.

Mr Atopley said the campaign against poverty was central to the Trades Union Movement and the organization was proud to participate in the mass cultural and social events that sought to raise issue of poverty as a scourge against humanity.

"I can tell you that the Ghana Trades union Congress has invited mass organizations... and has indeed made a call to individuals and the public at large to show solidarity by attending the concert," he said. Dr Kwesi Owusu, Chief Executive of Creative Storm, the organization responsible for the management of the concert, urged people to actively participate in the concert since their voices could force various Governments to act.

He said the public could send solidarity messages about poverty eradication, which would be displayed on a global call against poverty website.

Dr Owusu encouraged peoples to wear white bands as a symbol of the campaign against poverty as it was not asking for money but for the public voice.

He said there would be spaces for people, who would want to sell or advertise their organizations and activities. The concert line up includes: Salif Keita from Mali; Mahotella Queens from South Africa; Daddy Showkey from Nigeria; Obour, Reggie Rockstone, Amandzeba, CK Mann and Mac Tontoh from Ghana among other artiste.