Legendary Ghanaian gospel musician Yaw Sarpong, founder and leader of the Asomafo gospel group, has died in Kumasi at the age of 66 after a period of ill health, multiple Ghanaian media outlets reported on Tuesday.
Sarpong died on 20 January 2026 at Emena Hospital in the Ashanti Region, where he had been receiving treatment. His passing was confirmed by his manager, Nana Poku Ashis.
A towering figure in contemporary Akan gospel music, Sarpong founded the Asomafo Gospel Band, which helped shape Ghana’s modern gospel sound for decades. The group became widely known for spiritually uplifting and culturally rooted songs that resonated across churches and Christian gatherings nationwide.
Among his best-known works are “Wo Haw Ne Sɛn,” “Tenabea Foforo,” “Waye Awie,” “Tie Obiaa,” “Aduro Yesu” and “Awurade Kasa,” many of which remain staples in worship services.
Sarpong had battled prolonged health challenges in recent years, including stroke-related complications, and had scaled back public appearances while seeking medical care. His death comes barely a month after the passing of his longtime singing partner, Maame Tiwaa, compounding the sense of loss within the gospel fraternity.
In 2025, Sarpong received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards, honouring his enduring contribution to gospel music. Tributes have since poured in from musicians, church groups and fans, many describing his death as the end of an era for Akan gospel music.