Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama was a devoted admirer of the late highlife legend Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, describing their bond as “special and heartfelt”.

He made the remarks when a delegation from the musician’s family paid a courtesy call on him at the Jubilee House on Monday, August 25, to officially announce the singer’s passing.

“The President loved Daddy Lumba’s songs. When he sits in his car and sings along, you’d be amazed — so this is a great loss to us all,” Mr Debrah revealed. “I can’t sing like that, so you can see there was a special connection.”

He added that Lumba’s music was deeply personal to many Ghanaians, including the President, and carried emotional weight in moments of joy and sorrow alike.

According to Mr Debrah, Daddy Lumba’s artistry transcended generations, leaving an indelible mark on Ghana’s cultural heritage.

“His songs touched all of us — whether we were sad or happy, Daddy Lumba made a lasting impact,” he said, stressing that the government would stand by the family in this difficult time. “We can’t say we won’t honour him, especially considering how well he honoured Ghana with his music,” he assured.

Reflecting on the magnitude of the loss, the Chief of Staff remarked, “If money could save a life, we would have found a way. This is not just a loss for the family but for the entire nation.”

He described the musician’s passing as an irreplaceable blow to Ghana’s music industry, urging that his legacy be celebrated appropriately.

Daddy Lumba died in July at The Bank Hospital in Cantonments, Accra. Born on September 29, 1964, he rose to prominence in the 1980s and went on to release more than 30 albums, with timeless hits such as Aben Wo Ha, Theresa, Yentie Obiaa, and Playboy.

From his early days with Nana Acheampong as part of the Lumba Brothers to his stellar solo career, he became a cultural icon whose influence shaped generations of musicians and earned him a permanent place in the hearts of Ghanaians and music lovers across the world.