'We do things in moderation' — MUSIGA President responds to GH¢500 donation criticism

President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Bessa Simons, has responded to public criticism following the union’s GH¢500 donation to the family of late gospel icon Yaw Sarpong.

The donation was presented on February 19, 2026, during the one-week observation held in Kumasi in honour of the celebrated musician.

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However, the gesture sparked debate on social media, with some users describing the amount as inadequate considering the late singer’s contribution to Ghana’s gospel music industry.

Addressing the backlash in an interview on TV3 on February 20, 2026, Bessa Simons clarified that the GH¢500 contribution was specifically for the one-week observation and not the main funeral.

He explained that in Ghanaian tradition, donations made during one-week observances are generally modest, as the event serves as a preparatory stage toward the final funeral rites.

According to him, MUSIGA’s approach aligns with common practice among organisations in Ghana, which typically reserve substantial contributions for the main funeral ceremony rather than the preliminary observance.

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Simons further cautioned against allowing the conversation about money to overshadow the legacy of Yaw Sarpong, whose impact on gospel music remains significant.

He added,

Yaw Sarpong passed away on January 20, 2026, in Kumasi at the age of 66 after battling illness for some time. He is widely regarded as one of Ghana’s gospel music pioneers, known for his impactful ministry through music.