Former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Mark Okraku-Mantey, has proposed that the East Legon residence of the late Ghanaian music icon, Daddy Lumba, be transformed into a museum and mini-restaurant to preserve his legacy and generate income for his family.
In an interview, which has since circulated on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Okraku-Mantey advised that instead of allowing the family to simply inherit and live in the property, they should consider developing it into a cultural landmark that celebrates the life and achievements of the legendary highlife musician.
“I am suggesting that Lumba’s East Legon house should be converted into a museum. The family will make more money from that rather than just staying in it,” Okraku-Mantey said.
According to the former Deputy Minister, the transformation of the residence would not only serve as a lasting tribute to Daddy Lumba’s extraordinary contribution to Ghana’s music industry but could also become a key tourist attraction in Accra.
He added that such a facility could host both local and international visitors, offering them an opportunity to learn about Daddy Lumba’s musical journey, personal artifacts, and cultural impact.
He further suggested that government ministries and even Presidents could rent the facility for official functions, thereby generating continuous revenue for the family.
Okraku-Mantey emphasized that this model has been successfully adopted in other countries where the homes of renowned artists and public figures have been converted into museums and heritage sites.
Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, passed away on July 26, 2025, at the Bank Hospital in Accra. He was celebrated as one of Ghana’s most influential highlife musicians, with a career spanning over three decades and dozens of hit songs that shaped the nation’s music scene.
The Manhyia Palace recently announced that the final funeral rites for the late musician have been rescheduled to December 13, 2025, following a meeting at the Otumfuo Saamanhene Palace on November 10, 2025. The meeting led to the appointment of a new funeral committee chaired by the Dadiesoabahene.
The change in date, according to palace sources, is to allow for more extensive planning and to ensure that the final farewell for the music legend reflects his stature and legacy in Ghanaian culture.
If implemented, Okraku-Mantey’s proposal could see Daddy Lumba’s East Legon residence become both a cultural and economic asset, a place where fans, tourists, and dignitaries alike can celebrate the enduring legacy of one of Ghana’s greatest musical icons.
Okraku-Mantey Laments Industry Smear Campaign Against Him
Former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey called on members of the creative arts industry to properly acknowledge his contributions, particularly the construction of regional amphitheatres, during his time in office.
In an interview, Okraku-Mantey stated that one of his key initiatives was to push for the building of five regional amphitheatres located in Accra, Tema, Kumasi, Takoradi and Tamale, and that he regrets not being able to complete them before leaving office.
“We got a lot done. I pushed for the government to construct the amphitheatres, and I pray this government finishes it up,” he said.
He also urged industry stakeholders to better understand the role of a minister, emphasising that their duties involve policy formulation, while operational tasks such as event organisation fall under agencies like the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Copyright Authority of Ghana (CAA).
“I noticed that most of the people in the industry don’t even understand the job of a minister. I remember when a radio presenter called and asked why I hadn’t organised a show. I said the job of a minister is to draft policies. The events fall under the agencies; the GTA, CAA and others.”
Mark Okraku-Mantey
Okraku-Mantey further recalled an exchange with media personality Berla Mundi and her team, who, he claims, accused him of inaction.
“Berla Mundi and her colleagues started an agenda against me, but nothing was done. I showed her the pictures and she said she would apologise on behalf of her team member,” he recalled
The former deputy minister expressed frustration at the creative sector’s focus on his legacy with statements such as “What has Mark done?” rather than on forward-looking collaborations and industry development.
According to Okraku-Mantey, funding constraints hindered the completion of the amphitheatres during his tenure.
In an earlier interview, he noted that while a World Bank-backed fund had been secured, increased project costs required additional financing which delayed delivery on the works.
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