The Honorable Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has undertaken a courtesy visit to the distinguished Ghanaian highlife musician, Mr. Agya Koo Nimo, at his private residence in Kumasi.
This official engagement forms part of a broader directive initiated by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, aimed at safeguarding the welfare and upholding the dignity of senior citizens—particularly those whose contributions have been instrumental in preserving and advancing Ghana’s cultural and creative legacy.
During the visit, Hon. Gomashie formally acknowledged Mr. Nimo’s profound and enduring influence on Ghana’s musical heritage, commending his pivotal role in shaping the country’s highlife tradition. She reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to the support and recognition of aging creative practitioners.
“This is not merely a symbolic visit,” the Minister stated. “It is an affirmation of our collective duty to honour, care for, and preserve the dignity of our cultural torchbearers.”
Hon. Gomashie further referenced the charge issued by President Mahama during the launch of the Black Star Experience in May, wherein the President expressly directed the Ministry to organise an official ceremony to celebrate Mr. Nimo’s extraordinary legacy.
In alignment with this directive, the Minister reiterated the Ministry’s resolve to act with expediency and reverence. “President Mahama’s charge has guided our steps,” she remarked. “We are in the process of planning a formal event to honor our pioneers and elders—those upon whose shoulders we stand. However, given the uncertainty of life’s timeline, it was only appropriate that we pay our respects without delay.”
This visit stands as both a gesture of personal appreciation and a broader governmental acknowledgment of Mr. Nimo’s invaluable contributions to Ghana’s cultural identity.
Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, in her remarks, extolled Mr. Agya Koo Nimo as a revered “chief in the realm of Ghanaian culture,” underscoring his stature as a foundational figure in the nation’s artistic and musical development. In recognition of his lifelong contributions, the Minister presented Mr. Nimo with a commemorative hamper—a modest token of national appreciation—as well as an envelope containing a financial contribution to support the musicians who performed in his honour during the visit.
In response, Mr. Agya Koo Nimo conveyed his sincere gratitude to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts for the gesture of recognition and support.
“This acknowledgment is not solely for myself,” he noted. “It represents appreciation for all musicians who have devoted their lives to the creative arts.” He further urged the government to establish a National Museum of the Creative Arts, a dedicated institution where the works and contributions of Ghanaian musicians and other creatives could be archived, preserved, and exhibited for educational purposes and the enrichment of future generations.
Additionally, Mr. Nimo proposed that Ghanaian music be deliberately integrated into the country’s tourism experience by ensuring its regular performance and broadcast at designated tourist attractions. He emphasized that such an initiative would enhance the cultural value of the national tourism offering while promoting indigenous artistic expression.#newsafro_
