National Brass Bands Competition launched in Swedru

In a bid to revive brass band groups in the country, the government launched the National Brass Bands Competition in Agona Swedru in the Central Region last Friday.

The competition which forms part of the Ghana @ 60 years celebrations will see the government revive brass band groups in the country and resource them with the necessary equipment and support that would make them competitive and creative.

Launching the competition, Mr Ken Amankwah, Chairman of the Ghana @60 Committee said government will revive, revitalise and re-tool brass bands across the country to make them more viable.

According to him, the brass band that emerges winner in each of the 10 regions would receive a new set of instruments to enhance their operations. The regional winners will compete in the grand finale in December for the overall winner to be selected.

He revealed the competition is the idea of President Nana Akufo-Addo who promised during the 2016 campaign to revitalise brass bands to enable them to redeem their past glory.

He urged the various brass bands in the regions to train adequately so as to participate in the competition for the ultimate prize.

It would be recalled that some years back, most towns and communities had brass bands that were hired to play all sorts of music during private and public events for the admiration of the general public.

However, with the advent of contemporary music, the brass band industry seems to be going through challenges since people hardly patronised their services.




Speaking at the launch, the Central Regional Minister, Mr Kwamena Duncan said brass band has been part of daily lives since time immemorial and had played important roles during festivals, funerals, parties, among others.

He indicated that with 60 years existence of the country, it is important that government went back to resurrect brass band activities for the benefit of today’s generation.

The special guest of honour, Mr Cameron Duodu, a former Editor of the Daily Graphic, commended government for the initiative as it is a major step that would see a re-birth of brass bands in the country.

The Municipal Chief Executive for Agona West, Mrs Justina Marigold Assan added ‘It is an undeniable fact that the revival of brass bands would create employment as well as serve as a source of livelihood for many people.”

Source:Graphic.com.gh