By Grace Zigah
The family of late gospel music icon Yaw Sarpong has moved to clarify persistent public speculation surrounding his marital status, following renewed debate in the days after his death.
Speaking to bloggers and the media at the family residence on January 22, 2026, the musician’s elder brother Bishop John Kofi Poku stated emphatically that Yaw Sarpong was not married at the time of his passing, revealing that the celebrated gospel singer had been divorced for more than 16 years.
Yaw Sarpong, founder and leader of the renowned Asomafo Gospel Band, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the age of 66.
He reportedly died at Emena Hospital in Kumasi, where he had been receiving medical care for several weeks after battling multiple health challenges in the later years of his life.
His death sparked an outpouring of tributes nationwide, alongside renewed scrutiny of his personal life, particularly claims surrounding his marriage and care during his illness.
According to his elder brother, claims that Yaw Sarpong had a wife at the time of his death were inaccurate and misleading.
He explained that the marriage between the gospel musician and his estranged wife, Adwoa Pinamang, had ended long before Sarpong’s health began to deteriorate.
He disclosed that the singer himself had openly acknowledged the end of the marriage in past media interviews, including an appearance on UTV where he stated that his wife had left him many years earlier.
Bishop Kofi Poku further revealed that when Yaw Sarpong fell seriously ill in 2012, the musician confided in him that he had already been divorced for five years at the time.
He added that despite the separation, the family later made efforts to reconcile the couple, particularly as Sarpong’s condition worsened.
Those efforts, however, were unsuccessful, as the estranged wife declined to return and assist with his care.
It was under these circumstances, the family explained, that Maame Tiwaa, a vocalist with the Asomafo band, stepped in to assist in caring for the ailing musician.
Her role later became the subject of public controversy after Adwoa Pinamang alleged on Oyerepa FM’s relationship programme, hosted by Auntie Naa, that Maame Tiwaa had interfered in her marriage to the gospel singer.
The family, however, maintains that Maame Tiwaa’s involvement was purely out of necessity and compassion, following the breakdown of the marriage.
