Ghanaian gospel legend Grace Ashly has shared an insightful piece of advice she received from former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, shedding light on the importance of self-worth, respect, and fairness in the workplace and creative industry.
Speaking in an interview Zionflex ahead of her 25th anniversary celebration in gospel music, Grace Ashly narrated a personal encounter with Stephen Appiah that left a lasting impact on her outlook towards work and commitment. According to her, Appiah’s words — “When you’re working for someone and the person is not paying you, stop the job” — resonated deeply, especially in an industry where many artists, producers, and performers are often taken for granted.
Grace Ashly explained that she had experienced several situations in her career where her dedication and hard work were not appreciated financially or even acknowledged. “There were times I sang, traveled, and performed at major events with passion and love for the work of God, but at the end, nothing came out of it,” she said. “So when Stephen Appiah told me that, it opened my eyes to the importance of valuing myself and my craft.”
The gospel songstress emphasized that the message wasn’t about greed or chasing money but about mutual respect and fairness in every form of work. “Even the Bible says a worker deserves his wages,” she added. “You can’t keep working for people who take advantage of your kindness or talent.”
Stephen Appiah, known for his leadership both on and off the pitch, has often been praised for his discipline, humility, and honesty. His words, as shared by Grace Ashly, reflect the mindset of a man who believes in hard work with dignity. The former footballer has transitioned into a respected motivational figure whose advice continues to inspire young people and professionals across various fields.
Grace Ashly also connected this advice to the struggles many Ghanaian creatives face today. She noted that musicians, producers, sound engineers, and instrumentalists often go through financial challenges because their efforts are not fairly compensated. “Sometimes, people assume that because you’re doing gospel music, you shouldn’t expect payment. But the truth is, ministry also requires resources. You can’t pour from an empty cup,” she stressed.
She urged young artists to learn from Appiah’s wisdom — to value themselves and not allow anyone to exploit their gifts. “It’s okay to help people, but when it becomes a pattern of disrespect or neglect, you have to stop and reassess your worth,” Grace Ashly advised.
The multiple award-winning gospel icon further used the platform to remind industry players about professionalism and accountability. “If you promise to pay someone for their work, make sure you fulfill it. That’s the only way we can build trust and grow the creative space in Ghana,” she said.
Grace Ashly’s revelation about Stephen Appiah’s advice comes at a time when many Ghanaian artists have begun speaking up about unfair treatment, unpaid gigs, and lack of contracts in the entertainment industry. Her words echo a broader call for structural change and respect for talent.
As she prepares for her grand 25th Anniversary Celebration Concert on October 19, 2025, at the ATTC PIWC Kokomlemle, Grace Ashly continues to use her platform to inspire and empower others — not only through music but also through messages that promote integrity, empowerment, and personal value.
Her story reminds every worker, artist, and entrepreneur that while passion is important, self-respect must never be compromised. The simple yet powerful advice from Stephen Appiah — “When you’re working for someone and the person is not paying you, stop the job” — remains a timeless lesson for anyone striving to balance passion with purpose.
