“Stephen Appiah’s Words Broke My Spirit” — Grace Ashley Reveals Why She Stopped Singing for the Black Stars

Ghanaian gospel musician Grace Ashley has opened up about a painful experience involving former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, which led her to stop composing motivational songs for Ghana’s national football team.

Speaking in an interview, Grace Ashley recounted an encounter that took place years ago after a national team match in Kumasi against The Gambia. According to her, the team’s morale was low at the time, and a promoter had mobilised supporters to rally behind the Black Stars.

“Wherever Stephen Appiah is, he should listen to me and remember that day at the airport,” she began. “After the match, we boarded the same flight back, and when we arrived at the car park, a man approached Stephen and said, ‘Well done, Stephen. This woman is like your sister — you people should take care of her. She’s the reason many women have started watching football because of her songs for the Black Stars.’”

Grace Ashley said Stephen Appiah’s response left her deeply hurt.

“Stephen replied, ‘But the songs she sings are for the state.’ The man responded, ‘But the state doesn’t pay her anything.’ And Stephen said, ‘If you’re working for someone and you’re not paid, stop it.’”

She revealed that those words broke her spirit and ultimately influenced her decision to stop composing songs for the national team.

“That statement really pained me,” Grace Ashley admitted. “From that moment, I decided I would no longer record songs for the Black Stars.”

Her revelation has since sparked mixed reactions among Ghanaians, with many expressing both sympathy for her and respect for Appiah’s blunt honesty.