“This Visit Will Make Me Walk Again” – Agya Koo Nimo Moved to Tears as Mahama Honours Him

Ghanaian highlife and palm wine music legend, Daniel Amponsah, popularly known as Agya Koo Nimo, was visibly moved to tears on Wednesday when he received a surprise visit from the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, acting on the instructions of President John Dramani Mahama to honor him “while he is alive.”

The veteran composer and cultural icon, who has been inactive for years due to age and health challenges, could barely contain his excitement and gratitude as he described the moment as “life-restoring.”

■ Presidential Recognition with Heart

The visit, led by Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie, came as a fulfillment of President Mahama’s promise made during the Black Star Experience launch on May 1, 2025, where he called for a special ceremony to honor Agya Koo Nimo for his tremendous impact on Ghana’s music and cultural evolution.

“Our visit to Agya Koo Nimo’s residence is to fulfill President Mahama’s promise,” said Gomashie. “It demonstrates how he cares about our legends, particularly Koo Nimo, who has contributed immensely to the development of Ghana’s creative arts industry.”

■ A Living Legend’s Tears of Joy

Seated at his Kumasi home, the legendary musician became emotional as he expressed heartfelt thanks to the President and his entourage.

“I am not sure how the President dreamed of me for such recognition. I thank him deeply. I have not walked in years, but I believe this visit will make me walk again,” Agya Koo Nimo said, his voice trembling with emotion.

The government delegation, which included Deputy Minister Yussif Issaka Jajah, Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, and other ministry officials, presented the icon with a hamper and an undisclosed financial support package.

■ Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future

Agya Koo Nimo, who once lectured at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and mentored countless musicians, is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Ghana’s traditional music revival.

The initiative to honor him, while he is still alive, has resonated across the creative arts industry—many calling it a powerful example of nation-building through cultural respect.

He emphasized the importance of recognizing pioneers of Ghanaian music during their lifetime, adding that it could inspire younger creatives to value and protect their heritage.

■ A New Era for Creative Arts

President Mahama’s gesture, coupled with the symbolic visit, signals a renewed focus on the welfare of aging creative icons and a unifying call to action for the current generation of artists to appreciate their craft and one another.

“This is more than a visit—it is a statement of values,” one cultural observer said. “It tells us that legends matter. And they deserve to feel that—while they are alive.”