Time will Vindicate Obour – Enock Agyapong Writes

Time has a way of revealing truths that emotions often cloud. And in the case of Bice Osei Kuffour, popularly known as Obour, history may yet judge him far more kindly than sections of the industry once did.

Obour remains one of the finest minds Ghana’s music industry has produced, a rare blend of artistry, intellect, and administrative courage. As President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) for two terms, the union witnessed one of its most visible and vibrant eras. Under his leadership, MUSIGA moved from being a largely symbolic body to an institution with national presence and influence.

One of his most impactful initiatives, the Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWEF), sought to restore dignity to veteran musicians who had given their prime years to building Ghana’s cultural identity. The annual Grand Ball became a powerful gathering that attracted corporate sponsors, policymakers, and even sitting Presidents, a testament to the credibility and visibility he brought to the union. The proceeds supported aged musicians, reinforcing the principle that the industry must care for its own.

In 2012, MUSIGA submitted a proposal to the government seeking funds to conduct in-depth research into the music industry. The union received GH¢2 million for this purpose and proceeded to implement the initiatives outlined in the proposal. However, controversy erupted when some industry players argued that the funds should have been shared directly among musicians and affiliated organisations instead.

An independent audit was conducted, and the government subvention was accounted for to the Ministry of Finance. No wrongdoing was established. Yet, accusations persisted. For many, the narrative had already been written, and Obour became the symbol of everything perceived to be wrong with the industry.

Rather than debate policy, the conversation turned personal. What should have been an intellectual discourse about governance became an emotional campaign of vilification. The infamous “Pull Him Down” (PhD) syndrome once again revealed itself as a troubling culture where excellence is met not with collaboration but resistance.

After serving his term, leadership transitioned to John Bessa Simons following a contested election that was eventually resolved in court. Obour exited MUSIGA having completed his constitutional mandate.

He later ventured into politics, and interestingly, elements within the same industry followed him there, campaigning against him. When he lost, some critics who were not even constituents openly celebrated. It became clear that the issue had transcended governance; it had become deeply personal.

Yet, while parts of the creative space distanced themselves from him, the political establishment recognised his administrative ability. He was appointed Managing Director of Ghana Post, an institution many had written off as outdated. Under his stewardship, Ghana Post underwent visible modernisation and repositioning, proving once again that leadership capacity does not disappear because critics demand it.

Ironically, MUSIGA’s constitution designates past Presidents as patrons. Figures like Sidiku Buari and Obour himself should naturally remain pillars within the union’s advisory structure. Yet, bitterness and bad blood have pushed influential former leaders far from the very institution they once served.

Today, conversations about industry struggles persist. The problems Obour was blamed for did not disappear with his departure. The structural challenges remain. The funding gaps remain. The fragmentation remains.

What has changed?

Perhaps time is slowly answering that question.

Obour was never perfect; no leader is. But it is worth asking whether his flaws were magnified to eclipse his contributions. Whether disagreement was weaponised into character assassination. Whether the industry sacrificed long-term unity for short-term emotions.

Now that he walks in corridors of power, his experience and influence could potentially benefit the industry. But reconciliation requires humility, and humility is often scarce in environments governed by ego.

The younger generation, Gen Z and Alpha, must learn from this chapter. Institutions grow when leaders are critiqued constructively, not crucified personally. When policies are debated intelligently, not distorted emotionally. When unity outweighs envy.

Time indeed vindicates.

And perhaps, in the quiet distance from industry noise, Obour has already found peace — while the industry continues to wrestle with the very issues it once placed squarely on his shoulders.

The PhD syndrome must end.

#IndustryFirst