In a heartfelt tribute to one of Ghana’s musical treasures, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cre­ative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has lauded high-life maestro, Agya Koo Nimo, by highlighting his immense contribution to the country’s cultural heritage and nation­al development.

The 94-year-old virtuoso, born Daniel Amponsah, is famed for pioneering the ‘Palm Wine’ music genre—a soulful blend of indigenous storytelling, melodic guitar rhythms, and age-old wis­dom.

For over five decades, he has remained a cultural torchbearer, captivating au­diences with both music and message.

During an official visit to the New Adwase residence of the legendary musician in Kumasi, Madam Gomashie, flanked by her Deputy, Mr Yussif Issaka Jajah, and the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, pre­sented a hamper and also made a cash donation to the nonagenarian.

She conveyed the grat­itude of President John Dramani Mahama and the Ghanaian people for the maestro’s trailblasing role in shaping the nation’s music industry.

“Agya Koo Nimo didn’t just create music—he crafted identity, instilled pride, and charted a path for genera­tions to follow,” the Minister stated.

A former lecturer at KNUST and founder of the iconic ‘Adadam Agofomma’ troupe, Agya Koo Nimo has been a fixture at university events and traditional ceremonies alike.

Despite retirement, he remains the lifeblood of the cultural group, continuing to inspire with humility and grace.

Dr Amoakohene reaffirmed the government’s ongoing efforts to spotlight creative industry pioneers, revealing that over 25 actors have already been acknowledged in the Ashanti region alone. The visit to Agya Koo Nimo marked a new phase of this outreach to musicians.

Gracious and visibly moved, the music legend ex­pressed his appreciation to President Mahama and called for the establishment of a Creative Arts Museum to pre­serve and honour the works of Ghanaian musicians.

He also paid tribute to his 74-year-old wife, Mad­am Comfort Manu, and the members of his troupe for their enduring support.

The Minister’s delegation later toured the KNUST Department of Indigenous Arts and Technology, where she interacted with staff and students, and viewed an exhibition showcasing cre­ative pieces made from local materials.

With this act of recogni­tion, Ghana once again af­firms that those who shaped its cultural soul will not be forgotten.

 From Kingsley E. Hope

 Ghana’s First Lady, Mrs Lordina Mahama, has urged fellow First Ladies to step up efforts in address­ing Africa’s health and social challenges through collabora­tion, compassion, and innova­tion.

She said this at the 2025 Merck Foundation Africa First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Plat­form in Dubai on Wednesday.

According to her, African leaders needed to combine passion with expertise and forge strong public-private partnerships to build healthier and more inclusive societies across the continent.

“Africa must aspire to greatness by uniting public and private efforts, combining passion with expertise, and ensuring that every life, no matter how remote or mar­ginalised, can flourish,” she emphasised.

Mrs Mahama highlighted the positive impact of the Merck Foundation Talent Programme in Ghana, which has empow­ered 110 young people in the creative sector including music, ICT, filmmaking, and fashion.

She noted that such initia­tives help the youth discover their potential and pursue excellence.

Expressing deep apprecia­tion to the Merck Foundation, she commended its 30 years of support, describing it as a legacy of empowering com­munities to “heal, dream, and rise.”

She pledged continued collaboration through the Lordina Foundation in order to improve healthcare, promote education, and combat stigma in Ghana. “Our partnership with you will deliver a lot to the benefit of our people,” she affirmed.

Joined by 16 other African First Ladies, Mrs Mahama praised the Foundation’s efforts in transforming public health, advancing girls’ education, and strengthening media across the continent. “We must raise our voices and break the silence so that every woman recognises her worth and every child grows in dignity and health,” she urged.

The Merck Foundation CEO, Senator Rasha Kelej, shared that over 2,270 scholarships had been awarded to doctors from 52 countries in 44 under­served specialties.

These include oncology, fertility, diabetes, hyper­tension, internal medicine, reproductive health, pediatric emergency care, critical care, rheumatology, urology, psychi­atry, ophthalmology, trauma and orthopedics, dermatology and palliative care, among others.

ACCORDING to Senator Kelej, many of the recipients have become the first specialists in their countries, serving patients who previously had no access to such expertise.

Additionally, about 1,000 girls have benefited from scholarships across 17 countries in partner­ship with African First Ladies.

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, cited a World Health Organisation (WHO) report showing Africa’s 24 per cent of the global disease burden but has only 2.91 health­care workers per 1,000 people.

He noted that Merck Foundation’s pro­grammes have helped close the gap, particularly in critical areas such as oncology and fertility care, where many countries previously had no specialists.

By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu