The gospel music fraternity and the nation gathered at Asuofua Park in Kumasi on Thursday, February 19, 2026, for the one-week observance of the legendary Yaw Sarpong. The founder of the iconic Asomafo Band, who passed away on January 20, 2026, at the age of 66, was honored by family, fellow musicians, and thousands of fans in a ceremony marked by both deep sorrow and spiritual celebration.
However, the solemnity of the event was partially overshadowed by a wave of public criticism directed at the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA).
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| Late Yaw Sarpong |
Controversy Over MUSIGA’s One-Week Donation
During the rites, a delegation from MUSIGA, led by President Bessa Simons, presented a donation of GH₵500 to the bereaved family. The amount has sparked a heated debate across social media and within the Kumasi residents' circles, with many arguing that the sum is "underwhelming" for a musician of Sarpong's stature.
Fan Backlash: Critics have labeled the donation as "insensitive," given Sarpong's four decades of service to the industry and his recent Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards.Call for Legacy Support: Residents and church members who spoke to local media urged MUSIGA and the government to focus on more substantial honors, such as state assistance for the funeral or the establishment of a monument to preserve his 25-album legacy.
MUSIGA's Position: While the union has not officially responded to the backlash, President Bessa Simons earlier described Sarpong as a "rare talent" whose ability to direct music effortlessly was unmatched in the industry.
Remembering the "Wo Haw Ne Sɛn" Icon
The one-week observance served as a powerful reminder of Yaw Sarpong’s influence on Akan gospel music. The event featured:
Musical Tributes: Local choirs and fellow gospel artists performed renditions of his most beloved hits, including "Wo Haw Ne Sɛn," "Oko Yi," and "Awurade Kasa".Double Grief: Mourners noted the added pain of Sarpong’s passing coming just weeks after that of Maame Tiwaa, his long-serving musical partner and a pillar of the Asomafo group.
A Life of Service: Speakers recounted how Sarpong founded the Asomafo Band in 1986 while in Liberia, eventually growing it into a national institution that shaped generations of worshippers.
Final Funeral Rites Scheduled for May 2026
The family has officially announced that the final funeral rites for Yaw Sarpong will take place from May 9 to 10, 2026, at Ashanti Newtown (Ashtown) in Kumasi.
The family, supported by MUSIGA, has formally petitioned the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts for a state-assisted funeral. Sector Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie has expressed her deepest condolences, describing Sarpong’s death as a "painful loss to the faith community" and the creative arts industry.
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