MUSIGA elections: Parties agree out of court settlement

The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) is set to hold talks with the counsel of presidential aspirant Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi to settle the election dispute out of court.

The court on Monday, October 14, adjourned the hearing of the suit filed by Mr Appiah-Levi, against the association, over the conduct of National Executive Committee to November 6, 2019.

But Mr. Ahumah Bosco Ocansey, the Communications Director of the MUSIGA in an interview said, they were set to reach an agreement with the counsel of Ras Caleb for an out of court settlement, which would be made formal when the case is called on November 6, 2019.

“So, we are taking steps to make decision possible and I’m sure the counsel would put this forward to the judge when the case is being heard,” he told Ghana News Agency.

Background

On Tuesday, July 9, 2019, Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi, a presidential aspirant of the national executive elections of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), released a statement indicating that he had sought an injunction from the High Court to stop the yet to be held elections.

In the press statement, he mentioned that he was not happy with how election issues were being handled by the Election Committee.

“As an aspirant, I have been watching the electioneering process with keen interest and I have come to the realisation that there are a lot of beaches in the electoral system especially from the roadmap to the current situation of the voter’s list/notice of musicians,” he stated.

In the writ of summons, he was seeking a declaration that the current Voters Register compiled by the Election Committee of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) is not credible and same cannot in its flawed state be used for the conduct of the forthcoming 2019 National Executive Committee MUSIGA Elections to guarantee a fair and transparent outcome.

Candidates for various positions

Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi, who is the current President of the Greater Accra Region is contesting legendary musicians, Bessa Simons, who had served as the National Vice President for the past eight years.

Gospel artiste, Rev. Dr Harry Thomas Yawson and CEO of Lynx Entertainment, Richard Karikari Mensah, are contesting for the 1st Vice President position.

Also for the 2nd Vice President slot, gospel artistes, Deborah Freeman and Ruth Benny Wood, known in showbiz circles as Abena Ruthy, are standing against each other.

Sylvia Bosompem Amponsah and Samuel Kofi Agyemang are competing in the General Secretary race.

Gifty Ghansah is vying for the National Welfare Officer, with Rev. Edward Edusa-Eyison eyeing National Treasurer position.

Lastly, Chizzy Nii Adu Wailer is standing for the position of National Organiser.