The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has faced backlash on social media after donating GH¢500 to the family of late gospel musician Yaw Sarpong during his one-week observation.
The memorial event was held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Kumasi to honour the veteran singer.
At the ceremony, MUSIGA presented GHS500 to the bereaved family as its contribution toward funeral preparations.
The donation has since generated divided opinions online.
While some social media users commended the union for demonstrating support and solidarity, others criticised the amount, arguing that it was too small and failed to reflect the stature and legacy of the celebrated gospel artiste.
Critics maintained that Yaw Sarpong made significant contributions to Ghana’s music industry, particularly within the gospel community, and said the donation did not match the impact of his life’s work.
Read the reactions below:
Veteran Ghanaian gospel musician and founder of the Asomafo gospel group, Yaw Sarpong, has passed away.
Confirmation of his death was given by his manager, Nana Poku Ashis, in an interview with Myjoyonline.com. Official details on the cause of death have not yet been released.
His passing follows closely on the death of Maame Tiwa, a prominent member of the Asomafo group, whose loss shook the gospel music community about a month ago.
Yaw Sarpong had been unwell for several years and had reduced his public appearances while undergoing treatment.
He is widely recognised as a towering figure in Ghana’s gospel music landscape, having led Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo to national prominence. The group played a significant role in shaping contemporary Akan gospel music, earning respect for its rich lyrical depth and disciplined, doctrine-based musical style.
Throughout his career, Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo released several well-known gospel songs, including Wo Haw Ne Hwan, Tie Obiaa, Aduro Yesu, and Awurade Kasa, which remain popular in churches across the country.
In recognition of his contribution to gospel music, Yaw Sarpong received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
Celebrated Ghanaian gospel musician Maame Tiwaa also passed away some weeks ago.
According to reports by UTV, the veteran singer died in the early hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025. She is said to have passed on after a brief illness, although the exact cause of her sudden death has not yet been disclosed.
Maame Tiwaa was widely admired for her long-standing collaboration with Yaw Sarpong and the Asomafo Band, a partnership that earned her a revered place in Ghana’s gospel music community.
After four decades in the industry, she recently earned her first nomination at the 3Music Awards 2021, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Known for her distinctive and angelic voice, Maame Tiwaa featured in several popular songs, including Tenabea Foforo, Yen Nka Nkyere Yen Agya, Sumenaso, and other well-loved gospel hits.
Since news of her passing broke, social media platforms have been flooded with tributes from fans, with many expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to Yaw Sarpong and the entire Asomafo family.
The musician’s family has not yet released an official statement. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Veteran actor, director and cultural advocate William Addo, widely known by his stage name Akpatse, is dead.
According to reports, he died on November 22, 2025, after years of battling severe health complications.
Veteran actor William “Akpatse” Addo, was loved for his roles on GTV’s Thursday Theatre. His comic talent and stage presence, became a household name in Ghanaian theatre and television.
Akpatse was a trained scholar, holding a degree in Drama from the University of Ghana and a master’s in Acting and Directing from the University of Leeds.
He held important roles in the arts, including Director at the National Theatre and Director of Programmes at the National Commission on Culture, and taught many of Ghana’s top actors as a university lecturer.
In recent years, he battled serious health problems, including vision loss from glaucoma and cataracts.
His Funeral arrangements will however, be announced soon.
Last year, renowned Ghanaian actor, Vincent McCauley, famous for his role in the beloved 90s television series “Things We Do For Love,” passed away.
The news of his demise was confirmed by his colleague actor and friend, Adjetey Annang.
Known as Max in the TV series, Vincent McCauley is reported to have died on Thursday, January 18, 2024. The cause of his death is currently unknown.
Vincent McCauley’s notable roles also include appearances in movies such as “Games People Play,” “Fortune Island,” “Office Palava,” “Living With Trisha: House of Secrets,” and “The Idiot and I.”
Since the announcement of his death, tributes have been pouring in from various sources.
Adjetey Annan, also known as Pusher, a rival to Max in the 90s series, expressed his sorrow, saying, “Rivals on set ‘Pusher & Max’ since 1999 but cool guys off set. Thank you for being a part of the family and paying your dues very well. Rest in perfect peace brother🙏 Our deepest condolences to the family.”
Numerous other celebrities have taken to social media to share their condolences.
R.I.P to a Ghanaian screen legend Vincent McCauley💔 pic.twitter.com/6fiS1Jnqtc— Silverbird Cinemas Ghana (@SilverbirdGhana) January 18, 2024
In February this year, celebrated actor Mawuli Semevo died after a fire accident.
The 63-year-old veteran actor’s unfortunate incident happened on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Ridge Hospital, where he was receiving treatment after suffering burns.
On February 8, 2025, Judith Addison of Beyond Burns International, a dedicated non-profit organization committed to providing advocacy and support for burn survivors, reported that Mawuli was in critical condition.
“Beyond Burns International got an SOS that something unfortunate has happened. We came here today, and veteran actor Mawuli Semevo has been involved in a severe fire accident. I came here to see him, and his life is hanging in the balance,” Judith said in the video report posted on their social media pages.
According to her, Mawuli was sleeping in his house when it caught fire.
“He has suffered burns up to 44% of his body. He has respiratory injuries and cannot breathe properly. This is very serious. From his head to his legs. Everywhere caught fire, and he has lost all his hair,” she further stated.
The report was later corroborated by actors such as Ken Fiati and Edinam Atatsi.
Mawuli Semevo is known for his immaculate acting skills both on stage and in movies.
He has played roles in movies such as ‘ Harvest at 17’, ‘A Stab in the Dark’, ‘Escape of Love’, ‘Like Cotton Twines’ and ‘The Good Old Days: The Love of AA.’
Months ago in Nigeria, renowned Nollywood actor and distinguished academic, Dr. Columbus Irosanga, sadly departed.
Actress Hilda Dokubo announced the news on her Instagram account on Thursday.
In her heartfelt message, she wrote, “There can’t be a shortage of Angels in heaven that the few here are called home like this na! This one is heavy on Uniport, Rivers State, Nollywood.”
She continued, “Our uncle Coli @colu_mbusirisoanga has gone to be with the Lord. Ikoli eh dein na mu.”
Originating from Okrika in Rivers State, Dr. Irosanga became a household name for his compelling performances as chief priests in Nollywood films.
He is especially remembered for his unforgettable portrayal of “Igbudu” in the 2001 hit film, Isakaba.
His extraordinary acting skills garnered him numerous prestigious awards, such as Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Best Actor in a Drama at the City People Entertainment Awards, Most Promising Actor in Nigeria at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), and Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Best of Nollywood Awards.
Beyond his film career, Dr. Irosanga was a respected senior lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, where he played a pivotal role in mentoring many budding actors.
He is survived by his spouse and children, though the circumstances surrounding his death remain undisclosed. His passing represents a profound loss to both the academic and entertainment sectors in Nigeria.
