Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as APlus, has disclosed that former President John Dramani Mahama sought to offer support to the late music legend Daddy Lumba, but the singer did not make himself available.
In an interview with GhanaWeb monitored by Kumasimail.com, APlus recounted that during the Senior Citizens’ Dinner held on July 1, President Mahama met Daddy Lumba and immediately noticed that the veteran musician appeared unwell. Concerned for his health, the president reportedly expressed a strong desire to assist Lumba.
APlus explained that he reached out to Daddy Lumba on behalf of the president but was met with hesitation.
“I contacted him once; he said he would get back. The president wanted to handle everything because he was worried. He said, ‘Lumba is not looking too good. I want to have another conversation with him and take care of him.’ John Mama is a good man.”
Despite the president’s goodwill, Daddy Lumba is known to be a very private individual, which made engagement challenging.
APlus mentioned that he made several attempts to connect with the singer, as did others close to the situation.
“I think Lumba wanted to prepare himself before meeting with the president. The ‘old man’ President Mahama actually instructed people to look after Daddy Lumba, showing how much he cared. Now that he has passed, I believe efforts to honor him will only increase,” APlus said.
He further reflected on the broader issue of support for individuals while they are alive.
“People often don’t show care while someone is alive, but here was a president who reached out to me twice, asking if we had gotten in touch with Lumba. He wanted to help in every way he could. It was Lumba who was holding back for personal reasons.”
Looking ahead, APlus is confident that President Mahama and others will ensure Daddy Lumba receives a befitting burial and that his legacy will be appropriately celebrated.
“Now that he has passed, the president will do everything possible to give him the respect and honor he deserves,” he concluded.
SOURCE: Kumasi mail
