Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund is my legacy – Obour
The second term of musician Bice Osei Kuffour, popularly known as Obour, as the President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), is near its end and like any leader, he wants to be remembered for his good works.
Speaking on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM with Andy Dosty, Obuor said an achievement he is proud of and would like to be known for is the establishment of the Ageing Musicians Welfare Funds (AMWeF).
AMWeF was established in 2013 to cater to the needs of veteran musicians in the country,
“It started as a benevolent donation fund. Every six months and give every member ¢200. Then they had about 102 registered members,” he stated.
According to Obour, the AMWeF has grown in members and services to the veteran musicians.
AMWeF organises health screening for members and also partners with hospitals like Dampong Medical Centre and MDS Lancet to treat these old musicians of their ailment, he added.
Also, health walks, games and benefits concerts, have been organised through the musicians ageing funds.
“On 29th March, they had musicians all over Ghana joining the games; they played draughts, ludu and other games,” Obour said.
He revealed the veterans through the AMWeF, also get Xmas packages and bonuses.
The outgoing President of MUSIGA revealed through the fund, his team has created the Music Legend Honour.
Each year since its inception in 2017, selected veteran musicians are given ¢10,000 each from the funds.
“In 2017 we chose five people, 15 in 2018 and 6 this year,” Obour said.
Among the beneficiaries of the honour in previous years are Jewel Ackah, AB Crentsil, Nana Ampadu, CK Mann and Obouba JA Adofo.
For 2019, veteran musicians to be honoured included Professor Kofi Abraham, Naa Amanua, Abirekyieba Kofi Sammy, Kojo Akwaboah, Pat Thomas, Asabea Kropa.
Obour stated, “this brings a lot of joy, to the faces of these veterans and it is my prayer it continues with or without me.”
The President added the creation of the MUSIGA Academy to educate and train up-and-coming artistes, is one thing he believes will protect the future of Ghanaian music.
“We are helping young artistes [to] develop their talents. The Future Project as we call, it gives me a lot of hope,” he said.
Source: Myjoyonline