Legendary Gospel Musician Dies at 66, Leaving Enduring Legacy in Ghanaian Music
Veteran Ghanaian gospel musician and songwriter Yaw Sarpong has passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the age of 66. The news of his death was confirmed by his manager, Nana Poku Ashis, as reported by multiple Ghanaian news outlets.
Sarpong, the founder and leader of the Asomafo gospel group, died at Emena Hospital in Kumasi after a period of ongoing health struggles that saw him step back from public life in recent years. Details surrounding the precise cause of death have not yet been publicly disclosed.
The veteran musician was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in contemporary Ghanaian gospel music, known for his inspiring leadership and soul-stirring worship songs. Through Yaw Sarpong & Asomafo, he helped shape the sound of modern Akan gospel music, producing timeless hits such as Wo Haw Ne Hwan, Tie Obiaa, Aduro Yesu, and Awurade Kasa — songs that remain fixtures in church services across the country.
In 2025, he was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards in recognition of his profound impact on Ghana’s music industry.
His passing comes only weeks after the death of Maame Tiwaa, a key member of the Asomafo group whose soulful vocals helped define the band’s sound for decades.
Yaw Sarpong’s legacy extends beyond music; his work helped elevate gospel music as a cultural force in Ghana and inspired generations of musicians and worshippers alike.
Quick Facts
Name: Yaw Sarpong
Occupation: Gospel Musician, Songwriter
Group: Yaw Sarpong & Asomafo
Date of Death: January 20, 2026
Age: 66
Place of Death: Emena Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
Notable Songs: Wo Haw Ne Hwan, Tie Obiaa, Aduro Yesu, Awurade Kasa Awards: Lifetime Achievement Award (Telecel Ghana Music Awards 2025)
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