The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Maame Efua Houadjeto, has announced that the late highlife icon Daddy Lumba, along with other legendary musicians, will be honoured at the upcoming Ghana Tourism Awards scheduled for September 2025.
She made this known when she spoke to the media at the private residence of the late Daddy Lumba while she went to sympathize with his family and also sign the Book of Condolence opened in the memory of the late singer.
Maame Efua Houadjeto revealed that the Ghana Tourism Authority, which operates under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, had plans to feature Daddy Lumba in an upcoming celebration of highlife music. Unfortunately, the artist passed away before he could be part of the event.
“Ghana Tourism Authority under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts is actually going to celebrate Highlife at 100 this year and he was one of our major stars that we were going to feature him for Highlife at 100, and this is something we are going to miss him because he was in our plans,” she said.
According to her, Daddy Lumba’s legacy in Ghana’s music history cannot be ignored, and the GTA remains committed to celebrating his contribution, along with others who have shaped the country’s music and cultural identity.
She also briefly touched on the role of political leadership in supporting the creative arts. While noting that she didn’t want to sound too political, Maame Efua stated that her party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has always supported creatives across different fields.
“I don’t want to be political but when it comes to the NDC party, we recognise artistes, filmmakers, performers, and musicians, this particular party really recognises them,” she stated.
She further confirmed that the 2025 edition of the Ghana Tourism Awards, which is set for September, will include a special tribute segment to honour Daddy Lumba and other veterans in the entertainment industry.
“In September, Ghana Tourism Authority is organising our Tourism Awards, Daddy Lumba and a number of the old legends are going to be mentioned,” she added.
“I don’t want to be political but when it comes to the NDC, we recognise artistes — whether they’re filmmakers or performers.”
GTA CEO, Maame Efua Houadjeto shares her thoughts during her visit to Daddy Lumba’s residence.#JoyNewsFocus || #JoyDigital pic.twitter.com/i1fLWlijAk— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) July 31, 2025
Watch the mood at Daddy Lumba’s residence after news of his shocking demise
AK/EB
