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Honouring a legend: Tourism minister hails Agya Koo Nimo’s legacy
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
News
President Mahama swears in last batch of deputy ministers of state at the presidency
The President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has sworn in four deputy minister designates at the presidency.
The deputy ministers are Dorcas Affo Toffey for Transport; James Gyakye Quayson for Foreign Affairs; Mohammed A. Sukparu for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations; and Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu Danquah for Health.
President Mahama administered the Oaths of Allegiance, Office and Secrecy, and presented each appointee with an instrument of office in the national colours, red, gold and green.
He noted that this final swearing-in completes the formation of his government’s ministerial team, totaling 60 appointees.
He described this as a clear sign of his commitment to a purposeful and efficient administration.
According to the President, only ministries with heavier workloads and broader responsibilities are assigned deputy ministers.
He stated that his administration is focused on achieving real results and not merely filling positions.
He urged the new deputies to work closely with their sector ministers, remain humble and serve with integrity and accountability.
President Mahama highlighted that the size of government had been reduced, and cost-saving measures such as cuts in fuel allocations and travel budgets were freeing up funds for key sectors like health, education, infrastructure and energy.
He shared encouraging signs of economic recovery, including a drop in inflation, a stronger cedi, improved GDP growth and successful payments to bondholders, students and public schools all without a supplementary budget.
The President condemned a recent incident involving the manhandling of a joy news journalist by military personnel.
He described the act as unacceptable and assured that investigations and sanctions would follow.
Speaking on behalf of the new deputy ministers, Mohammed A. Sukparu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve.
He pledged their full commitment to the President’s vision and promised they would not disappoint the Ghanaian people.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
Government to train chiefs in Volta Region to resolve disputes and improve local governance – President Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy will roll out capacity building workshops to strengthen the leadership of traditional rulers in the Volta Region.
The initiative, he said, is part of a bigger plan to enhance the role of chiefs in governance, conflict resolution, and community development particularly in Volta, where chieftaincy disputes are on the rise.
According to the President, the workshops will equip chiefs and traditional council staff with the skills and knowledge to manage disputes, handle community affairs, and better understand their statutory responsibilities.
He made this known during a high-level engagement with the Volta Region House of Chiefs at the Flagstaff House.
The chiefs had raised concerns about the increasing number of unresolved chieftaincy disputes and the limited capacity of newly inaugurated traditional councils.
President Mahama acknowledged the challenges and said government would provide direct funding to support these workshops and ensure that traditional leaders in the region are empowered to function effectively.
He stressed that strengthening the institution of chieftaincy was critical to maintaining peace and stability at the community level, and would support efforts in decentralization and grassroots development.
The President also expressed hope that the ongoing constitutional review process would capture the views of traditional authorities particularly in enhancing their role in sanitation, civic education, and environmental management.
President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, welcomed the announcement and said the Volta regional house of chiefs was ready to partner with the government to resolve disputes and promote development at the local level.
By: Jacob Aggrey
