Ghanaian highlife musician Ofori Amponsah has called for a shift in the way the country recognises and celebrates its accomplished personalities, urging Ghanaians to honour their heroes while they are still alive.

Speaking on UTV’s United Showbiz, the veteran musician expressed concern over what he considers a worrying culture of showering individuals with praise and recognition only after their death.

According to Ofori Amponsah, many personalities who make significant contributions to Ghana’s entertainment industry and society at large are often overlooked during their lifetime, only to receive widespread tributes when they pass away.

He believes such a practice must change, insisting that living legends deserve to experience the appreciation and recognition their contributions have earned them.

The musician argued that while posthumous tributes are important in preserving the memories of deceased personalities, they cannot replace the value of honouring and supporting people when they are still alive.

“Celebrate them while they’re alive,” Ofori Amponsah stressed, as he reflected on Ghana’s approach to recognising its heroes.

He further encouraged individuals, institutions and corporate organisations to develop a culture of celebrating excellence in real time rather than waiting until death before acknowledging the impact of accomplished personalities.

For Ofori Amponsah, honouring living legends should not be limited to awards and ceremonial events. It should also involve meaningful support, appreciation and deliberate efforts to preserve the contributions of individuals who have helped shape Ghana’s cultural and creative landscape.

The highlife musician believes recognising people during their lifetime can also inspire younger generations to pursue excellence, knowing that their efforts will be acknowledged and valued.

Ofori Amponsah’s call therefore goes beyond the entertainment industry, touching on a broader national conversation about appreciation, recognition and the preservation of legacies.

He is urging Ghanaians to celebrate their icons when they can still hear the applause, rather than waiting until they are gone to fully acknowledge their impact.