The Western Music Awards (WMA) continues to make headlines across the region following its historic hosting in Tarkwa for the first time. The 9th edition, which took place on 27th December 2025, marked a significant milestone in the awards’ history, extending its reach beyond Takoradi for the first time.
Over the weekend, Showbiz Extra on Owass FM featured a phone interview with Nana Kwesi Coomson, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of WMA, who spoke about the vision, challenges, and future direction of one of the Western Region’s most prestigious music platforms.
Since its inception, the Western Music Awards had consistently been held in Takoradi. Hosting the 9th edition in Tarkwa represented a significant shift, highlighting the organizers’ commitment to broadening the awards’ reach and fostering inclusivity across the Western Region.
Elaborating on this move, Nana Kwesi Coomson explained that taking the awards outside Takoradi is part of a long-term strategy to celebrate and engage the entire region. By staging the 9th edition in Tarkwa, the organizers sought to showcase local talent, encourage greater industry participation, and strengthen regional representation, ensuring the WMA reflects the full diversity of the Western Region’s vibrant music scene.
The decision to host the awards in Tarkwa, however, faced some criticism. Skeptics questioned the suitability of the location, suggesting that the local industry might not adequately represent itself at a major awards ceremony.
Nana Kwesi dismissed these claims as unfair and unfounded, pointing to the overwhelming reception, active participation, and significant contributions from industry players in Tarkwa and its surrounding communities. He also highlighted the strong backing from key stakeholders, including the Member of Parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Hon. Issah Salifu Taylor, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Ebenezer Cobbinah, and local traditional leaders.
Looking ahead, the Western Music Awards is set to celebrate its 10-year anniversary this year.
Nana Kwesi revealed that the organizers are already planning to make the milestone edition historic and unforgettable.
“We are looking forward to celebrating our 10-year anniversary. We plan to go the extra mile. We want to make sure the 10th edition becomes extraordinary. Ten years of awarding excellence in music in our region is worth celebrating, and we are looking forward to something mega,” he stated.
When asked whether the 10th edition would be hosted in Tarkwa again, Nana Kwesi noted that no final decision has been made yet, adding that discussions are ongoing.
The successful hosting of the 9th edition in Tarkwa not only reflects the WMA’s commitment to inclusivity and regional representation but also sets the stage for what promises to be a grand 10th-anniversary celebration, further cementing its role as a cornerstone of the Western Region’s music industry.
