The passing of Daddy Lumba has stirred a deep sense of loss across Ghana, with plans now unfolding to honor his memory in a truly meaningful way. But here's where it gets controversial: instead of the initially planned airlift, the decision was made to transport his body by road from Accra to Kumasi, allowing a broader community to bid farewell.
The funeral organizing committee recently confirmed that the late Highlife legend’s body will be taken by road to his final resting place in Kumasi, ahead of the official funeral set for December 6, 2025. This solemn ceremony is to take place at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, a venue befitting the stature of a music icon.
Collins Owusu Amankwah, who heads the planning committee, explained during interviews with DL FM and various media outlets that the initial plan was to fly Daddy Lumba's remains to Kumasi. However, after careful discussions with his family and committee members, they opted for the road journey instead. This choice wasn’t just logistical; it carries powerful symbolism.
"After a thorough meeting with both the family and the funeral committee, we decided that transporting the body by road would be more fitting," Amankwah said. "This way, as the funeral procession moves through key towns along the route, it offers people from many communities the chance to come out, witness the convoy, and pay their last respects." This approach is quite special because it opens doors for far more mourners—not just those in Kumasi but everyone along the way—to participate in the farewell.
Towns like Suhum, Konongo, Ejisu, and Akropong are among those that will witness this moving tribute, giving residents an opportunity to honor Daddy Lumba’s legacy in person. This inclusive process highlights the profound impact he had across the nation.
Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, died on July 26, 2025, at Bank Hospital after a brief illness. He was 60 years old. His passing sparked widespread mourning, with heartfelt condolences pouring in from ordinary fans to prominent figures, including both current and former Ghanaian presidents.
To celebrate his life and contributions to music, the Creative Arts Agency joined forces with the Fosu family to hold a national candlelight vigil on August 2, 2025, at Independence Square. The vigil lasted from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and was echoed by simultaneous events across the globe—in countries like Germany, the UK, the U.S., the Netherlands, and various regions within Ghana. This global solidarity underscores just how beloved Daddy Lumba was worldwide.
Further commemorating the Highlife legend, on August 30, 2025, a one-week memorial was observed at Independence Square, following Akan tradition. This event brought together hundreds, including fans, fellow artists, public figures, and family, demonstrating the immense respect and admiration held for the late musician.
Adding a political dimension to the memorial, notable attendees included former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong. Their presence highlighted Daddy Lumba's influence beyond music, touching on national unity and cultural pride.
The memorial was filled with nostalgic performances of his timeless classics like ‘Aben Wo Ha’, ‘Sika Asem’, and ‘Theresa’, reminding everyone why Daddy Lumba’s music resonates so deeply to this day.
But this funeral procession strategy raises compelling questions: Should the road journey become a new tradition for honoring great figures, connecting communities along the way? Or could it complicate logistics and security for large-scale funerals? What are your thoughts? Feel free to share your views and join the conversation below.
Watch the commemorative video, and don’t miss the latest episode of Talkertainment featuring Ghana’s popular MC and hypeman, Kojo Manuel.
