BY Grace Zigah
The one-week observance of Ghana’s Highlife legend Daddy Lumba on Saturday, August 30, 2025, was not only a gathering of thousands of mourners but also a show of political presence and financial muscle, as leading figures of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) made hefty donations to support the late musician’s funeral.
Held at the Independence Square in Accra, the event saw former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo emerging as one of the biggest contributors, donating GH¢100,000.
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, followed with GH¢50,000, while former Assin Central MP and presidential hopeful Kennedy Ohene Agyapong presented GH¢10,000.
Former Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh and representatives of Alan Kyerematen’s Movement for Change each offered GH¢5,000.
The Ghana Police Service also supported with GH¢30,000.
Political Heavyweights In Attendance
The heavy donations highlighted the political significance of the event, which drew almost the entire NPP leadership.
Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr Bawumia were joined by former and current senior government officials, party stalwarts, and MPs.
The Minority in Parliament, led by Alexander Afenyo Markins, also turned up, adding a bipartisan touch to the national mourning.
Their presence underscored Daddy Lumba’s unique place in Ghanaian society — a musician whose songs transcended partisan divides and became anthems at both political rallies and social gatherings.
Family Holds Back on Burial Date
Despite the fanfare, one detail remained unresolved: the actual date of Lumba’s burial.
The family, led by Abusuapanyin Kofi Owusu, explained that final funeral rites would be held in Kumasi but only after officially informing the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Being a royal, the family stressed, Lumba’s burial arrangements could not be concluded without the blessing of the Ashanti King.
Showbiz Meets Politics
Beyond politics, the one-week event was also a star-studded affair. Music greats including Abrantie Amakye Dede, Kojo Antwi, Pat Thomas, Kwabena Kwabena, Oheneba Kissi, Sarkodie, Diana Asamoah, and Kofi Nti all paid homage.
Fan clubs such as the Fantasy Club of Daddy Lumba and House of Daddy Lumba Fan Club turned the venue into a spectacle of branded T-shirts and memorabilia.
The event began with prayers from Prophet Amoako Atta and quickly turned into a celebration of Lumba’s legacy as live bands and artists performed his hit songs, bringing both tears and cheers from the crowd.
The Man Behind the Legend
Born September 29, 1964, at Nsuta in the Ashanti Region, Daddy Lumba (Charles Kwadwo Fosu) began his music journey at age 16, leading the Juaben Secondary School choir. His move to Germany saw him co-found the Lumba Brothers with Nana Acheampong, pioneering a modern Highlife wave that transformed Ghanaian music.
