Bawumia backs state funeral for highlife legend Daddy Lumba

Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has made a passionate appeal for the late highlife legend, Daddy Lumba, to be accorded a state funeral in recognition of his unparalleled contribution to Ghanaian music and national identity.

During a visit to the bereaved family to express his condolences, Dr Bawumia paid glowing tribute to the late icon, describing him as a musical giant whose work had profoundly shaped Ghana’s cultural landscape.

“Lumba was such a great musician and his impact has been so great. He was so deep,” Dr Bawumia said, referencing some of the singer’s most memorable and timeless hits that have resonated across generations.

He stressed the significance of Daddy Lumba’s legacy and argued that the state must officially honour him for his decades-long career, which not only entertained but also reflected Ghana’s societal narratives.

“This is a national funeral, and I want to plead for a state burial and a state funeral for him,” Dr Bawumia declared.

He added that even if a formal state funeral is not granted, the national outpouring of grief and respect for the late musician already reflects the level of reverence Ghanaians hold for him. “But the truth is that whether he is granted state funeral or not, it is going to be a state funeral. Ghanaians are according him his deserved national recognition.”

Dr Bawumia was accompanied on the visit by a delegation of New Patriotic Party (NPP) officials, including Members of Parliament, as well as regional and constituency executives.

Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, was one of Ghana’s most celebrated and influential highlife musicians, with a music career spanning over four decades. He is revered for his lyrical depth, genre-defining style, and cultural impact, having produced numerous hit songs that became part of the national psyche.