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Tourism Minister Visits Agya Koo Nimo, Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Aged Creatives
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has paid a courtesy visit to celebrated Ghanaian highlife musician, Agya Koo Nimo, at his residence in Kumasi.
The visit forms part of President John Dramani Mahama’s broader commitment to ensure the welfare and dignity of elderly citizens, particularly those who have made significant contributions to Ghana’s cultural and creative heritage.
Speaking during the visit, Madam Gomashie acknowledged Agya Koo Nimo’s invaluable role in shaping Ghana’s musical identity and reaffirmed the government’s pledge to support ageing creatives.
“This is not just a symbolic visit—it is a statement of care, recognition, and responsibility,” she said.
In a heartfelt address during the visit, the Minister recalled President Mahama’s call to action at the launch of the Black Star Experience, where he asked: “Why wait until our legends are gone before we celebrate them?” She emphasized that those words have since guided her and her team, compelling them to act swiftly to honour living legends.
“We do not know the hour of our birth, nor the moment we depart this life,” the Minister said.
She said, “Therefore, while we are still planning a formal celebration to honour the trailblazers and elders in the sector, those on whose shoulders we stand, it felt only proper that we come here today.”
She described Agya Koo Nimo as a revered “chief in the realm of Ghanaian culture” and presented him with a hamper, a modest token of appreciation, and an additional envelope to support the musicians who performed in his honour.
In response, Agya Koo Nimo expressed deep gratitude to President Mahama and the Ministry for the recognition.
“This is not just for me, it is for all musicians,” he remarked, calling on the government to establish a national museum dedicated to the creative arts, where the works of musicians and other creatives could be preserved for posterity and serve as a learning resource for future generations.
He further proposed that Ghanaian music be played and showcased at tourist sites across the country to enrich the visitor experience and promote local artistry.
She acknowledged the underappreciation creatives often face, noting: “When a footballer scores, headlines follow. But creatives often give so much with little recognition. That must change, and it starts now.” She added.
According to Hon. Gomashie, this visit is only the beginning of a broader effort to elevate the voices and contributions of Ghanaian legends.
The Minister was accompanied by her Deputy, Yussif Issaka Jajah; Divine Kwame Owusu Ansah, Director for Culture and Creative Arts at the Ministry; and other key members of her team.
They were warmly received by the Ashanti Regional Minister, the Ashanti Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority, and other support staff.
FOR patrons at a special thanksgiving concert held in honour of parishioners, benefactors and friends at the St. Monica Catholic Rectory at Fan Milk, Accra, Rev. Fr Bonaventure Kweku Quaidoo will continue to be seen as a man of many parts.
Usually seen dressed resplendently in his cassock, Rev. Fr. Bonaventure is known by the faithful as a preacher of the word despite his background in music.
But on this auspicious occasion, the Rector, Rev. Fr Bonaventure Kweku Quaidoo, assumed the role of a conductor of the Central Ceremonial Band of the Ghana Police Service.
In front of the band wielding the conductor’s baton, Rev. Fr Bonaventure conducted the band as they gave a rendition of some of the spiritual hymns of the faithful, thrilling the audience in the event under the theme “An Evening of the Performing Arts in Thanksgiving to Beloved Parishioners, Benefactors and Friends.”
It was attended by the clergy, parishioners and invited guests for an evening that blended sacred reflection with artistic performance.
The Chaplain-General of the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Very Rev. Fr George Arthur, opened the programme with prayer, while the closing benediction was given by Very Rev. Fr. Isaac Ebo Blay, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Society.
A highlight of the evening was a classical performance by Dr Kyoung Ok Kim of the University of Ghana’s School of Performing Arts, who reinterpreted Ghanaian melodies to the delight of the audience.
Ordained in 1990, Rev. Fr Quaidoo is a trained musician and former member of the National Symphony Orchestra. Over the past 35 years, he has served in the dioceses of Tamale, Damongo and Accra, integrating music into his pastoral ministry.
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THE 41st Farmers’ Day was held last Friday in the Volta Region, honouring outstanding farmers that contributed immensely in the sustenance of the country’s food basket.
This year’s celebration was themed “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future”, reflecting the government’s emphasis on strengthening food systems, promoting local consumption, and building long-term resilience in the agricultural sector.
It was attended by the President, John Dramani Mahama, Minister of Agriculture, Mr Ernest Opoku, Regional Ministers and Paramount Chief of Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV.
The week-long observance began on December 1, at the Ho Sports Stadium with the official opening of the 2025 National Agricultural Fair.
An 82 year-old farmer, Mr Opanin Abraham Kwaku Adusei from Kwawu Odumase in the Afram Plains District of the Eastern Region, was adjudged the 2025 National Best Farmer.
President Mahama commended the farmers for their dedication and pivotal role in advancing the country’s agricultural sector.
The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Eric Opoku, also attributed the current food glut to innovation and resilience of farmers.
Established in 1985, Farmers’ Day has grown into one of Ghana’s most significant national events—celebrating the enduring contributions of farmers and fishers to the nation’s development and economic stability.
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