Bishop J.Y. Adu, leader and founder of the New Jerusalem Church, has revealed that veteran gospel musician Yaw Sarpong has not yet been told about the death of his close associate, Maame Tiwaa, because of serious concerns about his health and emotional stability.
In an interview on Top Radio, Bishop Adu said those caring for Yaw Sarpong have been unable to find a safe way or suitable time to break the news. He explained that the decision has been driven by fear that the shock could trigger a dangerous reaction from the ailing musician.
“Up until now, we’ve not been able to tell Yaw Sarpong that Tiwaa is dead. We don’t even know how to inform him because we fear his reaction to her death. He has confidence in the woman so much,” he said.
According to the bishop, Yaw Sarpong’s dependence on Tiwaa went beyond companionship, making the situation especially sensitive. He recalled a recent incident that highlighted just how deeply rooted that bond was.
“When they prepared food yesterday and he was served, he said he was waiting for Tiwaa before he would eat. According to him, if he ate without her, she would get angry,” he narrated.
Bishop Adu said the team around the musician has deliberately kept him away from news reports about Tiwaa’s passing, worried that stumbling on the information online could worsen his already fragile condition.
“He doesn’t know that the woman is dead and we can’t break the news to him because he’s not too well to know about her demise.
“The media didn’t help us at all for circulating the news so fast. If he was online, he would have seen whatever was going on, which would have been a big problem for us,” he lamented.
He also disclosed that when Tiwaa’s family came to visit Yaw Sarpong, he advised them against revealing the truth at the time, citing the musician’s battle with malaria.
“Tiwaa’s family came to Yaw Sarpong’s house but I told them not to inform him, due to the malaria he was battling with,” he shared.
Bishop Adu said telling him then would have created further complications.
“He wouldn’t eat when we told him and it would bring another problem to us. All this while he has not seen the woman, he thinks she has gone to perform at a show.”
He ended by stressing the crucial role Tiwaa played in Yaw Sarpong’s day-to-day life, describing her as a major source of support.
“She used to perform band so she would get money to prepare food for Yaw Sarpong. She had been of great help to him, at least to what I saw,” Bishop J.Y. Adu further stated.
