Lumba took Bawumia’s money but didn’t deliver the song – Okraku-Mantey

Former Deputy Minister of Arts, Culture, and Tourism, Mark Okraku-Mantey, has confirmed that the late highlife musician, Daddy Lumba, had an official arrangement with former Vice President and 2024 NPP’s flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to produce a campaign song—but the project was never completed.

Okraku-Mantey stated, “There was a deal and money was transferred—everything, but the music didn’t come out.”

He explained that Daddy Lumba’s health challenges at the time prevented him from following through with the agreement.

Okraku-Mantey added that although Dr. Bawumia paid Lumba twice the amount requested, he never pressured the musician when the song was not delivered.

“Even Dr. Bawumia gave him more than he asked for, but he never complained,” he said in an interview on Movement TV.

Daddy Lumba passed away on July 26, 2025, at the age of 60. He was known for his contribution to Ghana’s highlife music industry and had a long list of accolades, including multiple Ghana Music Awards.

Following his death, another issue has emerged. Kumawood producer Paul Gee has alleged that Lumba owed him GH₵40,000 from a 2012 deal.

Paul Gee claims he paid the musician for rights to sell footage of Lumba’s Legacy and Legacy Ball on DVD, but Lumba later sold those rights to another producer without issuing a refund.

“I tried several times to retrieve my money, but nothing worked,” Paul Gee said. He also indicated his intention to approach the family of the late musician before his burial to resolve the matter.