Legendary palm wine and highlife music composer, Daniel Amponsah, known in the entertainment industry as Agya Koo Nimo, has expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for recognising him as a national asset whilst he is alive.
Agya Koo Nimo believes such national recognition of individuals who over the years have contributed to the entertainment industry is spot on and would serve as morale booster for the younger creatives.
The music legend said this amid tears of excitement after the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts paid a courtesy call on him at his residence in Kumasi.
He could not control his excitement with regards to the minister’s memorable visit to his residence.
Agya Koo Nimo has been inactive for several years, unable to perform his normal duties as a musician and lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) due to aging and health status.
The surprise visit to his residence came up on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, after the President John Dramani Mahama, urged the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie to organise a ceremony to honour the highlife-palm wine music legend Agya Koo Nimo, for his tremendous contribution towards Ghana’s highlife music and cultural transformation.
On Thursday, May 1, 2025, he made this call at the Black Star Experience launch in Accra’s Black Star Square. The recognition of the legendary Agya Koo Nimo is the embodiment of a true Statesman’s quota towards nation-building.
The creative arts industry players were told to value their craft and stay united to promote their art and craft to succeed on the international stage.
The Minister was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Yussif Issaka Jajah; Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene; and other Directors of the Ministry. She gave a hamper and an undisclosed amount of money to the musical icon to support his livelihood.
“Our visit to Agya Koo Nimo’s residence is to fulfill President Mahama’s promise, and it demonstrates how he cares about our legends, particularly Koo Nimo, who has contributed to the development of the creative arts industry.”
Agya Koo Nimo on his part appreciated the government’s effort to recognise and honour pioneers in the Ghana music industry. He made a profound statement, claiming that the historic visit would help him get back on his feet.
“I am not sure how the President dreamed of me for such recognition of us old musicians. I thank him, and I have not walked in years, but I believe this visit will make me walk again,” he stated.
Mahama calls on Creative Arts ministry to honour king of palm wine music, Agya Koo Nimo
By Enock Baffoe|Akoma FM|Kumasi
