Mahama proposes ceremony to honour Agya Koo Nimo

President John Dramani Mahama has asked Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie to honor Agya Koo Nimo.

He made this request during the Blackstar Experience launch on May 1, 2025. The event took place at the Freedom and Justice Monument in Accra.

Mahama praised the Legon Palmwine Band for their performance that night. He also recognized Agya Koo Nimo as a key figure in palmwine music.

"We must honor him while he is still alive," Mahama said. "This genre is part of our musical heritage. We should not wait until he passes."

The President proposed a ceremony to celebrate the music legend. "Dzifa, you and your team should organize this event," he added.

Agya Koo Nimo has received many awards throughout his career. In 2007, he was honored with the Order of the Volta Award by President John Agyekum Kufuor.

He has also received several other accolades, including the Asanteman Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.

About Agya Koo Nimo

Agya Koo Nimo was born Kwabena Boa-Amponsem on October 3, 1934. His father was a trumpeter and his mother sang in church.

He attended Adisadel College from 1947 to 1952. He later studied at Korle Bu Medical Research Institute for one year.

Despite not working in music directly, his passion remained strong. He adopted the stage name Koo Nimo when he began performing.

Agya Koo Nimo formed the Addadam Agofomma ensemble to promote palm wine music and highlife music. This group uses traditional instruments like apentemma and dondo in their performances.

In 1979, he became President of the Musicians’ Union of Ghana (MUSIGA). In 1985, he served as interim chairman of the Copyright Society of Ghana (COSGA).

He is an honorary life member of the International Association for Popular Music Studies alongside notable figures like Professor J.H.K. Nketia.

His album ‘Osabarima’ was released on CD in 1990, making it a milestone for Ghanaian artists. In February 1991, he received the Asanteman award from the Asantehene for his contributions to music.

Dr. Andrew L. Kaye wrote about him in his dissertation at Columbia University in January 1992. Agya Koo Nimo later taught ethnomusicology at universities in Washington and Michigan.

Some popular songs by him include ‘Ͻdͻnson’ and ‘Akuafo Monno Mfuo.’ He returned to Ghana in 2006 and currently lives in Kumasi.

Agya Koo Nimo is celebrated both locally and internationally for his contributions to palm wine music and respect for tradition.