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As big a brand as the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards is, it can also be said to be the most maligned or criticized event on the entertainment calendar.

Since its inception 19 years ago, the awards scheme has received severe criticism and for just about everything; from nominees to categorization and the loudest ones have been for award winners.

Now after years of having to defend the initiative, organisers, Charterhouse, seem to have had enough and has indicated their readiness to deal with anyone who makes unsubstantiated accusations against them or the scheme.

At the nominees unveiling on Saturday at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra, Chief Executive officer of the Charterhouse Ghana, Theresa Ayoade, made it clear that they will not tolerate any comments they deem defamatory.

“We like to encourage constructive criticisms of the event and you will agree that we have been good sports over the years but we will not tolerate libelous and scandalous comments. We will seek legal redress if we feel our rights are being violated in any way,” she stated.

According to her, their doors are always open for feedback and anyone with issues can go through the appropriate channels.

The warning comes as the Music Awards brand aims to go beyond the country’s shores. That also informed this years’ theme which is “Beyond borders.”

Theresa Ayoade also urged the nominees to encourage their fans to vote for them and not rely on media hype.

“When we put the power in your hands, please use it. Come out with your own voting campaigns. We cannot be held accountable for any losses,” she said.