Gospel musician Grace Ashly has recounted an unpleasant encounter she had with former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah.

In a video shared on X on October 6, 2025, Grace Ashly revealed that Appiah made remarks that dampened her enthusiasm and love for the national team.

The gospel singer, known for her unwavering support for the Black Stars, explained that Stephen Appiah once told her to stop supporting the team if she was not being paid for it.

According to Grace Ashly, she was taken aback by the former captain’s comment, noting that she had least expected such words from him.

“Wherever Stephan Appiah is right now, I want him to remember an incident that happened between us at the airport. There was a time when the Black Star team wasn’t performing, so they weren’t attracting support from Ghanaians… We went to Kumasi during a game between Black Stars and Gambia to mobilise people to the stadium.

“On our way, Stephen Appiah was part of our team, but we didn’t know. We found out when we got to the airport. It was then that one man told him to support me for my efforts with the Black Star, because through me, Ghanaians are supporting football. What Stephen told him was that I am working for the state; therefore, if I think the state is not supporting me, I should stop,” she said.

Grace Ashly further reiterated that Stephen Appiah’s comment made her sad, adding that it equally made the Black Stars support team lose one of its energetic and loyal supporters.

“I was very sad when he said that. Since then, the man hasn’t supported the Black Star again. You see how sad it is,” she added.