The first of three open forums scheduled as part of events leading up to the launch of the Ghana Music Awards, came off in Kumasi over the weekend.

The event which attracted a large number of participants drawn from various sectors of Ghana’s Music Industry was held at Rexmar hotel in Kumasi. Participants hailed the decision to introduce open forums back into the schedule for Ghana Music Awards as a laudable one. This was because it brought together all stake holders of Ghanaian music to discuss ways through which the processes of the GMA can be perfected and also ensure that their opinions on which artistes excelled were counted.

The forum was over subscribed as attendance far exceeded the expectations of the organizers. This is an indication of the level of credence that is has been given to the Ghana Music Awards as an authentic music awards scheme. In attendance were Radio Presenters, Entertainment Journalist, Producers, distributors and Musicians belonging to different associations. The General Public was not left out as many youth made sure their favorite music icons were not left out of the nominations.

Proceedings were well regulated by Fred Darko who was the moderator for the day. There to give credence to proceedings were some members of the Planning Committee. They were Diana Hopson, President of the Musicians Union Association (MUSIGA) and her Second Vice Chairman Amandziba Nat Brew. Also present from the Planning Committee were Fred K. Mensah and Nii Ayite Hammond a representative of Charter House the event organisers.

Participants were given the opportunity to review ways through which GMA which is in its ninth year can be improved. Again a review of the different categories and their definitions was made to ensure that the provisional definition in circulation captured the essence of the category. Participants also took part in the nomination and categorization processes, an opportunity that was greatly appreciated by all.

One important suggestion that was raised for consideration by the Planning Committee was that during a year that there are no worthy contenders for a category, that category should be left blank to encourage creativity.

Clarifications sought by participants on aspects on the definitions and the Ghana Music Awards in general were all ably answered by the panelists.

The scheduled for the Ghana Music Awards continue this week with Alisa Hotel playing host to the open forum for Greater Accra on March 7. The Western Region forum comes off at the Raybow Hotel in Takoradi. All those with an interest in the welfare of the future of the Ghana Music Industry are requested to attend the forum and ensure that their views are aired.

The Outcome of the three forums will provide the necessary data required for further work by the Planning Committees.