Former President John Agyekum Kufuor Eulogises Daddy Lumba: "His Death Hit Me Like a Thunderbolt"
- Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has mourned highlife legend Daddy Lumba, describing his passing as a thunderbolt
- Kufuor said he was unaware Daddy Lumba was unwell, making the news even more painful and tough to accept
- The ex-president, a fan of Lumba’s music, extended condolences to the late singer’s family and praised his legacy
- Apostle Eric Okai, senior pastor at the Elim Church in Accra, said the former president's message was a genuine expression of respect for the late Daddy Lumba's legacy during a discussion with YEN.com.gh
Ghana's former President, John Agyekum Kufuor, has paid a glowing tribute to Ghanaian highlife legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the former Ghanaian Head of State said Daddy Lumba's death, which occurred on Saturday, July 26, 2025, had hit him hard like a thunderbolt.
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Former President Kufuor said he was never aware of the legendary Ghanaian musician battling any sickness, making his death more difficult to accept.
As a staunch fan of the Ghanaian legend's music, former President Kufuor said he always looked forward to his end-of-year "Night of the Legends" musical concerts.
"The news of the passing away, this past weekend, of one of the foremost Ghanaian highlife artists ever, Daddy Lumba, hit me like a thunderbolt. I never heard of his illness, which makes it all the more shocking," former President Kufuor wrote.
"Daddy Lumba, an iconic and highly talented musician of our times, sorely captivated the hearts and minds of many in Ghana, and indeed, many highlife enthusiasts the world over, with his peculiar voice and lyrics. Truly, his lyrics were thrilling, transcendental, and enjoyable. I count myself as one of his favourite devotees. In recent times, I have always looked forward to his end-of-year 'Night of the Legends' musician concerts, a number of which he personally invited me to," he added.
The former Ghanaian president, who ruled between January 7, 2001, and January 7, 2009, further extended his condolences to Daddy Lumba’s wife, children and family.
"As we mourn his untimely death, may we be consoled that he was a precious gift of our Creator to us all to enjoy while he was with us here on earth. We celebrate his achievements and remarkable life. I send my sincere condolences to his widow, children and extended family that he left behind and wish them fortitude in these difficult times. May the Almighty God give him a befitting rest in His bosom," he said.
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Daddy Lumba reportedly died at The Bank Hospital in Accra following a short illness.
The late musician was reportedly rushed to the facility on the evening of Friday, July 25, 2025, for emergency medical care, but failed to make it despite strenuous efforts from the doctors and nurses.
Apostle Okai praises Kufuor’s heartfelt tribute
Speaking to YEN.com.gh, Apostle Eric Okai, senior pastor at the Elim Church, said former President Kufuor's message was a genuine expression of condolences and respect for the late Daddy Lumba's legacy.
He noted that the former president's description of the news as a 'thunderbolt' suggested a deep sense of shock and surprise, particularly since he had been unaware of Daddy Lumba's illness.
"I see the former president's message as a genuine expression of condolences and respect for the late Daddy Lumba's legacy. The use of the metaphor 'thunderbolt' to describe the news of his passing suggests a deep sense of shock and surprise. The fact that the former president was unaware of Daddy Lumba's illness adds to the poignancy of the moment," he said.
"The message also highlights the impact of Daddy Lumba's music on his fans, including the former president. By extending condolences to the family and praising Daddy Lumba's legacy, the former president is offering a sense of comfort and validation to those mourning his loss," he added.
"From a religious perspective, the message reflects the values of empathy, compassion, and respect for the deceased and their loved ones. It also underscores the significance of acknowledging and honoring the contributions of individuals who have made a positive impact on society, in this case, through music," he continued.
Source: Facebook
What President Mahama planned for Daddy Lumba
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as Kwame A Plus, disclosed what President John Mahama had intended to do for Daddy Lumba before his untimely demise.
Speaking to the media on Monday, July 28, 2025, Kwame A Plus recounted that on July 1, 2025, during the senior citizens' programme, President Mahama saw the late highlife legend and noticed he was unwell.
According to him, President Mahama remarked that the musician did not look too good and that he had wanted to have another conversation with him and take care of him.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
