The Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Musicians’ Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) is organising the first ever edition of Ghana Music Week (GMW) festival next month.

The festival, which is under the theme: ‘Engaging Music as a catalyst for Unity and National Growth’, is slated for March 4 – 10, 2013 at the National Theatre.

A joint statement from the Ministry and MUSIGA signed by Tourism Officer Alphonse Kumaza said the main objectives of the celebration include:

• Creating an industry biggest platform to harmonise activities of the artistes

• Promoting Ghanaian music both home and abroad

• Bringing key stakeholders together including the media to support the course of Ghanaian music

• Showcasing the values of Ghanaian authentic music and tourism. “As part of the Ghana Music Week celebration, the Ministry and MUSIGA direct that, all radio and television stations, as well as entertainment facilities in Ghana should endeavor to play mainly Ghanaian music on Saturday, March 2, 2013,” the stamen said.

The main activities lined up for the celebration include:

Day 1, March 4, 2013 (Traditional Music Day)

• GMW ROLL CALL (Artistes signature Gathering)

• Opening Ceremony by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana, JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA

• Opening of Exhibition by Minister of Trade

• Regional Music & Dance Festival (Representatives from all ten (10) Regions)

Day 2, March 5, 2013 (Choral Music, Instrumentals & Live Band Day)

• Exhibition continues for 2nd day

• CREATIVE INDUSTRY DAY (Spotlight on Stakeholders in Advertising, Arts, Crafts, Design, Fashion, Film, Performing Arts, Publishing, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT, Software and Media)

• Music Industry Workshop/Training/Seminar

• National Music Essay Contest, (short-listed), Semi-final

Day 3, March 6, 2013 (Hip-life & Reggae Day)

• Exhibition continues for 3rd day

• Stakeholder Dialogue – Growing the Industry

• GHANA UNITY CONCERT – National Sports Stadium @ 12: 00 noon to 12:00 Mid-Night

Day 4, March 7, 2013 (Jazz & Authentic African Music Day)

• Exhibition continues for 4th day & Industry Training/Workshop

• Film Show & Drama in Partnership with The British Council

• Ghana Music Week Talent Discovery for Students and Amateur Performance

• EXPATRIATES’ DAY – GALA NITE – Main Hall, National Theatre

Day 5, March 8, 2013 (Hip-Life Music Day)

• Exhibition continues for 5th day

• Media Day – Live Radio Presentation (All Day From Venue)

• HIGHLIFE ALIVE – Concert to Celebrate Highlife Music

Day 6, March 9, 2013 (Africa Music Day)

• Clean Up Exercise & MUSIGA Social Responsibility Day

• Exhibition Closes/Closing Ceremony

• MUSIGA ALL – STAR & AWARDS NITE

Day 7, March 10, 2013 (Gospel Music Day)

• Inter-Churches Mass Choir show

• Ghana Music Week Gospel Rock Show