’I want to meet Mahama and thank him’ — Highlife legend J.A. Adolfo opens up about President’s quiet support

Veteran highlife musician Obuoba J.A. Adofo has publicly expressed deep gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the unwavering financial and material support he has received since falling ill—support that came unprompted and has continued month after month.

Speaking on Angel TV’s Experiences in Life show, the 74-year-old music icon—born Jackson Alfred Adofo in Kwahu-Oboo in the Eastern Region—revealed that the President reached out voluntarily after learning of his health struggles. Adofo, also known by his famous moniker “Black Chinese”, stressed that he never solicited the assistance.

“I give thanks to the President. When I got sick, he sent me money and got me some provisions, and he still does it. I’m really grateful for that,” Adofo said. “I didn’t go to him to beg him. When he heard about me, he sent money to me.”

The support, he explained, is delivered monthly through veteran Kumawood actor Mr. Beautiful, who brings money for medication along with provisions. According to Adofo, the President has been sending these gifts every single month since his health began to decline. The musician emphasized that the gesture carries no political motive—describing himself as someone who does not engage in politics.

“Truth be told, I don’t engage in politics, but he likes me, and that is why he supports me,” Adofo said.

Beyond the material assistance, Adofo also spoke emotionally about a recent personal loss—the death of his child. While custom would have dictated inviting the President to the burial, Adofo said he chose not to, out of respect for Mahama’s heavy responsibilities as head of state.

“My child has passed away, and ordinarily I would have invited him to the burial, but I understand the heavy responsibilities he carries as President. I will not disturb him because he is the father of the nation,” Adofo said. “However, I am certain that if he hears about it, he would come to support me.”

Despite his profound appreciation, the highlife legend—who led the City Boys Band and has over 150 albums to his name—expressed one lingering desire: to personally shake the President’s hand and say thank you face-to-face.

“I want to meet him personally and thank him, but I’m not getting that opportunity,” Adofo said.

For now, the “Ankwanobi” hitmaker remains grateful for the quiet, consistent kindness that has sustained him through a difficult chapter—a gesture many have hailed as a testament to leadership rooted in humanity and respect for the nation’s cultural heroes.