Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is advocating for a state funeral to be held in honour of legendary Ghanaian musician Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, citing his monumental impact on Ghana’s cultural and musical landscape.
Speaking at a commemorative event over the weekend in Accra, Dr. Bawumia described Daddy Lumba as “a national treasure whose music defined generations and elevated Ghanaian highlife to international prominence.” He called on the state to formally recognise the artist’s contributions with a befitting state ceremony when the time comes.
“Daddy Lumba is not just a musician he is a symbol of Ghanaian creativity, resilience, and excellence,” Bawumia said. “It is only right that the nation prepares to honour his life and legacy with the highest form of respect available: a state funeral.”
The Vice President’s remarks have sparked a national conversation about the recognition of artists and cultural icons in Ghana, many of whom have passed on without official tributes or support from the state.
Although the music legend is still alive and actively performing, the suggestion is being framed as part of a broader push to acknowledge living legends and to institutionalise how the country celebrates its cultural icons, both during their lifetimes and posthumously.
Supporters of the proposal have praised it as a progressive step toward valuing the arts in national life.
“Too often we wait until it’s too late to honour greatness,” said Nana Yaw Wiredu, a music historian and cultural commentator. “Daddy Lumba deserves not just our applause, but our national gratitude — now and always.”
Daddy Lumba, who began his career in the 1980s, has released over 30 albums and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Ghanaian music history. His fusion of traditional highlife, Afro-pop, and soul continues to shape contemporary Ghanaian music.
No formal government policy currently mandates state funerals for cultural figures, but Bawumia’s comments have renewed calls for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to establish guidelines on how such honours are conferred.