In the heart of Ghana’s Western Region, an event brought together the country’s leadership, its youth, and one of its celebrated gospel artists in a memorable moment of recognition and inspiration.
The ceremony, specially convened under the auspices of the Government of President John Evans Atta Mills and his administration’s youth-motivation initiative, honoured gospel musician Noble Nketsiah with a lifetime-style award of recognition.
The event aimed to encourage, celebrate, and elevate youth across various industries, including arts, music, and enterprise, as part of the President’s broader agenda of empowering young Ghanaians to excel.
At the ceremony, President Atta Mills praised the spirit of Ghana’s youth, highlighting that the year was designated as his government’s “Action Year” for job creation, skills development, and social innovation. He noted that one effective way to inspire the next generation was through public recognition of excellence in diverse fields, particularly gospel music, where creativity meets faith and community impact.
Turning to Noble Nketsiah, the President described him as a prime example of Ghana’s young creative talent, whose songs have ministered hope and joy across the country. He formally presented Nketsiah with a specially designed award plaque, acknowledging his exceptional skill, his body of work, and the manner in which he has used his art to uplift others. Applause filled the hall as Nketsiah accepted the award, thanked the President, and briefly shared insights into his journey in gospel music.
In his acceptance speech, Noble Nketsiah traced his musical path: from his debut album Yesu Do, which featured songs like “He Is My God” and “Yesu Wo Do,” to his second album Gye Me, with tracks such as “Big No” and “Mensiden.” He also highlighted additional songs that have become part of Ghana’s gospel repertoire, including “Se Me Tease,” “Barima Yesu,” “Mmofra Yi,” “Masei Memre,” and “Mmere Pa Beba.” Nketsiah explained that each of these works was created to uplift listeners, inspire gratitude, encourage worship, and promote social good.
President Atta Mills emphasised that the arts, and particularly gospel music, play a vital role in shaping values among Ghana’s youth, including discipline, creativity, faith, and service. By awarding Noble Nketsiah, the government sought to demonstrate that excelling in one’s craft, remaining true to one’s faith, and contributing to community development will not go unnoticed.
Later in the evening, a short film highlighted the government’s initiatives to promote youth across industries, with arts and enterprise as central pillars. Speeches by young entrepreneurs and musicians, along with examples of government-supported youth workshops, reinforced the theme: “Be the talent that transforms.” The Western Region venue was adorned with colourful banners and filled with an atmosphere of optimism, making the night memorable for the young attendees.
As the event concluded, Noble Nketsiah performed a medley of his classic songs, bringing the hall to its feet and dedicating the award to the young people of Ghana. The President shook his hand amid resounding applause, leaving a lasting image of a gospel star honoured under the national youth agenda.