Although many have complained of the
nominees list released for the VodafoneGhana
Music Awards, Samini Music and HighGrade
Family is first to call for a review of the list.
Check out the press statement from
HighGradeFamily asking for a review of the
Ghana Music Awards:
Over the years, there have been numerous
controversies surrounding Charter House/Ghana
MusicAwards, the constitution of the board and
consequent nominations thereof towards the
annual Ghana Music Awards; all past sponsors
are herein acknowledged.
However, of particular interest is the seemingly
growing trend ofConflict of Interest that plaques
the Board and its decisions, with traces to
specific individuals such as Mark Okraku Mantey
and the growing aspersions in the definition of
categories, who qualifies and per what standards
of criteria are followed per norms as pertains in
other jurisdictions with emphasis on our very
own turf.
Of particular concern is as per a quote by Enoch
Sarpong, a showbiz critic on facebook
{ Apparently Mark Okraku Mantey's artiste KUMI
GUITAR isn't a NEW ARTISTE… His FIRST
VERSION of "break into two" song was released
2years ago….and was produced by
SUGARTONE..}
Questions need to be asked:
As a private entity with due regards for the
Ghanaian Laws, is Mark Okraku a manager/
affiliated to an artiste known as "Kumi Guitar"
and does this constitute a conflict of interest?
Are the guidelines for nominations particularly
"New Artiste of the year" explicitly clear to
warrant an exclusion of Kofi Kinaata in same?
NB: the Number of shows performed by Kofi
Kinaata, an artiste of HighGradeFamily,
Interviews including on Dj Blacks Weekend
shows… Airplay of his various songs et al as
against the other categorized in "New Artiste of
the year"
Per the assertion by Enoch Sarpong (verifiable)
that Kumi Guitar first released/promoted a song
2 years ago constitute a wrongful categorization
of the said artiste and therefore requires a
review of nomination(s) given the level of public
agitation?
Will Charter House and the VGMA Board for the
first time, recall their decision, address and
reannounce categories and nominations
particularly those in question, for us" excluding
Kofi Kinaata our Artiste from the New Artiste of
the year category)?
Will Charter House and its allied Bodies act on
Mark Okraku Mantey's abuse of conflict of
interest provisions as affecting a general body
and its decisions by excusing him from any
further activities; By explaining the criteria on
nominations for New Artiste thereby excluding
our Artiste "Kofi Kinaata"; Will all parties
consider brand effect on supervising a clear
case of conflict of interest(legal issue) involving
Mark Okraku Mantey, member of the VGMA
board, whose self glorification seems to make
him a touch not in Ghana Music Industry and on
what basis he does so?
We will require answers, as these will go a long
way to maintain some credibility in the Annual
Event that highlights the best of Ghanaian music.
The Media must help set things right.
Sgd.
Anthony Daning (Mr.)
ManagerHighGradeFamily/Samini Music
