FOR many musicians, the steady flow of money during their peak years can create the impression that the good times will last forever.
With regular shows, endorsements and appearances bringing in income, planning for the future is often not a priority.
However, as old age sets in and demand for performances declines, many Ghanaian musicians struggle to survive.
Concerned about this worrying trend, the President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Bessa Simons, is urging musicians, particularly young and up and coming ones, to take advantage of the union’s pension scheme, launched earlier this year, to secure their future and avoid hardship in old age.
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the MUSIGA boss explained that the absence of a structured pension system in the past contributed to many ageing musicians finding themselves in financial distress.
He believes the introduction of the scheme will provide financial security for musicians after retirement.
“This year, we’re calling on members to pay their dues, especially those who haven’t been paying. We also want all musicians to join the new pension scheme we have introduced.
“We have a few A-list artistes doing great, but what about the up and coming ones without big management? They’ll struggle when they’re old. This pension scheme is for all our members and musicians wanting a better future”, he said.
The MUSIGA Group Pension Scheme was introduced as a major intervention to protect musicians who do not benefit from regular retirement packages.
The scheme allows members to contribute towards their retirement while they are still active, ensuring they have financial support when they can no longer work. (Read Actor Ray Emodi quits Nollywood, set to pursue music career)
Despite the introduction of the pension scheme, Mr Simons admitted some creatives remain reluctant to enrol, largely due to scepticism and a lack of interest in long-term financial planning.
“In the creative space, when you mention pension schemes or musicians securing their future, they are a bit sceptical. They don’t want to do that. Not only in the music industry, but all of them are facing the same challenge. They don’t want to commit and put something down now for the future,” he stated.
He also noted that the pension scheme is open to all MUSIGA members and non-members and is designed to ensure that musicians do not suffer when their active years are over.
Mr Simons believes the scheme will help change the narrative and protect the dignity of musicians across Ghana, urging creatives to act now while they still have the opportunity to build a secure future.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
