The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has paid a courtesy visit to celebrated Ghanaian highlife icon Agya Koo Nimo at his residence in Kumasi.
The visit forms part of the government’s Black Star Experience initiative, a flagship programme launched by President John Dramani Mahama to honour cultural legends and promote Ghana’s tourism and creative arts sectors.
In a heartfelt address, Hon. Gomashie recalled the President’s powerful message at the launch of the Black Star Experience:
“Why wait until our legends are gone before we celebrate them?”
She noted that this question has since shaped her Ministry’s approach, driving swift efforts to recognize cultural pioneers while they are still alive.
“We do not know the hour of our birth, nor the moment we depart this life,” the Minister said.
“While we are still planning a formal celebration to honour the trailblazers and elders in our sector, those on whose shoulders we stand it felt only proper that we come here today.”
Describing Agya Koo Nimo as a “chief in the realm of Ghanaian culture,” she presented him with a hamper and a modest envelope to support musicians who performed in his honour a token of appreciation from the Ministry.
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 said, urging the government to establish a national museum dedicated to the creative arts to preserve and showcase the works of Ghanaian musicians and creatives for future generations.
He also recommended that Ghanaian music be featured at tourist sites to enrich visitor experiences and promote local artistry.
Hon. Gomashie acknowledged the historical underappreciation of creatives, stating:
“When a footballer scores, headlines follow. But creatives often give so much with little recognition. That must change and it starts now.”
The Black Star Experience seeks to celebrate Ghana’s cultural heritage by honouring the men and women who have shaped its artistic identity, while they are still alive.
According to Hon. Gomashie, this visit marks the beginning of a broader national effort to elevate and preserve the legacies of Ghanaian cultural legends.
The Minister was accompanied by her Deputy, Hon. Yussif Issaka Jajah; Divine Kwame Owusu Ansah, Director for Culture and Creative Arts at the Ministry; and other senior officials.
They were warmly received by the Ashanti Regional Minister, the Ashanti Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority, and other regional staff.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
