A delegation of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts have paid a courtesy call on Ghana's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mrs. Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee in New York.

It is in the United States of America for the launch of the Ghana Music Week festival, scheduled to take place in Ghana from March 1 to 7, next year,

Led by Bice Osei Kuffour, president of MUSIGA, the delegation include veteran A.B. Crentsil, Papa Shee, Deborah Freeman (Secretary), Edem Ayigbe, Pappy Kojo, Ebenezer Anangfio of Telemo fame, Joey B, Kobi Manful, Dady Bosco Ahuma Ocansey and Andrew Edorh.

Accompanying them were Prof. James Small, Vice President of the World Diaspora Union, Rabbi Kohain Hahari, a Pan-Africanist entrepreneur and Ms. Aleida Castillo, who represented the Mayor of Mount Vernon in New York.

Osei Kuffuor said the visit was to launch the week-long festival and to expose Ghana's diverse music and rich culture.lt will subsequently be launched in Australia,China, United Kingdom, South Africa and Nigeria

The package will include the re-enactment of the emancipation, visits to key tourism sites, slave routes.

The collaboration by the Tourism Ministry, MUSIGA and its other partners seek to " attract the diaspora to Ghana to relish the country's music and its numerous tourist attractions".

Welcoming the delegation, Ambassador Pobee said that as diplomats, the Mission takes great interest in the festival, meant to attract the diaspora and most importantly to sell Ghana's rich culture and world acclaimed tourism sites.

She pointed out that musicians had a very important part to play in cultural tourism and therefore assured the delegation of every support for their activities.

Throwing his weight behind the festival, Prof. Small noted that the USA market has a capital of $1.4 trillion and it will therefore be possible for Ghana to attract at least $1 billion into her economy, using music and tourism festivals for their people(diaspora) to reconnect.

"Ghana has everything to make it the best destination for tourism, not only through music, but the festivals and historical castles", he assured.

Contributing, Ahuma Ocansey Dady Bosco, Communication Officer of MUSIGA, said that "the purpose of the festival is to showcase Ghana in a positive light. We are using music and the creative arts to tell Ghana's story and put our best foot forward", he added.

At his turn, Rabbi Cohen, an African-American entrepreneur and a strong advocate for African-Americans to visit their motherland, made a strong case that the festival project will help to get the diaspora to re-attach themselves to their motherland, Ghana.
Rabbi Cohen, said that Ghana is the best tourism destination for every African-American born in the North Atlantic trade.

"This is because it is the best and most suitable place to invest to promote the story of Africa. Ghana is the best place to tell the success story of Africa", he explained.

The Mayor of Mount Vernon, Mr. Ernest Davis in a message delivered on his behalf by Ms Aleida Castillo expressed total support for the festival and pledged to promote it among the diaspora. He also promised to mobilize more support for Ghana's development.

Accompanying the delegation were the Deputy Ghana's Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Skido Achulo, Mr. Chris Nartey, also of the Washington Mission. Also present were. Mr Philbert Johnson,Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Mr. R. Harry Reynolds, Head of Information, DSP Emmanuel K.Dade, Police Advisor, Mr Fawaaz Aliu, all of the Ghana Mission, New York.

PICTURE SHOWS - Ambassador Pobee addressing the delegation