Title sponsor of the Upper East Music Awards (UEMAs), Happy Man Bitters has, indefinitely, suspended its sponsorship of the award scheme.
In a press release, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Charger Limited, producers of Happy Man Bitters, Dr. Emmanuel Bortey Borketey indicated that his outfit’s decision to put hold on its sponsorship of the award scheme is as result of recent controversies surrounding the scheme.
Dr. Emmanuel explained that he and his brand do not want to be associated with any project, which is surrounded with controversies, hence, the decision to temporarily pull the brakes on sponsoring activities of the award scheme.
“My brand and I seek peace and we try not to engage in any project with much controversies. On this note our doors are closed temporarily till further notice concerning giving sponsorship or partnerships for UEMA. Doors are still open to any project that evolves around societal progress,” he said in the release.
The business mogul also advised Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of One Love Entertainment; organizers of the award scheme, Kabu Banks, whom he described as his friend, and his crew to reconsider any decision to continue organizing the Upper East Music Awards.
“Going forward I advise my good friend Kabu Banks and his One Love Entertainment team to reconsider their decisions on hosting the annual award scheme”.
This follows allegation of ill treatment leveled against organizers of the award scheme by rapper, Nambawan, who was crowned Artiste of the Year at the 2021 edition of the awards.
The rapper was transported by the organizers to Accra to receive a cash prize of GH¢20,000 for winning the coveted award.
But speaking in an interview on Bolgatanga-based Yem Radio following his return, Nambawan alleged that not only was he maltreated by the organizers but he was denied a chance of having a private meeting with the CEO of Charger Limited.
He said, while organizers of Miss Upper East, which was equally sponsored by Dr. Emmanuel’s company, made arrangements for winners of the contest to have a private interaction with the Charger Limited CEO, organizers of UEMAs failed to do same for him.
Dr. Emmanuel, in the press release, however, indicated “My brand and I pledged GH¢20,000 for whoever emerges Winner of Happy Man Bitters Upper East Music Awards 2021, AOTY and God who has always been our source from the beginnings provided us with the funds to enable us fulfils the pledge. Once again I wish the AOTY the best of luck and appreciate the short but fruitful time we spent together in my office last month”.
