BY Daniel Bampoe
The funeral arrangements for the late highlife legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, have plunged into fresh controversy as his direct family has publicly rejected a widely advertised funeral date and accused the dissolved funeral committee, led by Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu, of creating unnecessary disorder and disrespect in the traditional processes.
In a strongly worded statement issued on 24 November 2025, the 14-member direct family committee expressed shock and disappointment over the sudden appearance of billboards and public announcements across Accra and Kumasi stating December 13, 2025, as the final funeral date—an arrangement the family insists was never approved.
Controversy
According to the family, the supposed funeral date was only a proposal raised during a meeting with traditional authorities (Nananom) and was subjected to further deliberation.
The discussion, they say, was never concluded. At no point was the date confirmed, validated, or authorized for public announcement.
Despite this, the dissolved committee—acting without mandate—allegedly mounted billboards and began announcing the burial date on media platforms.
The family describes the act as “disrespectful, misleading and highly inconsiderate,” given ongoing legal disputes, incomplete investigations, and unresolved logistical issues surrounding the late musician’s death.
December Date Not Good
The family outlined four major reasons the funeral cannot be held on December 13:
1. Children Abroad Writing Critical Exams
Some of Daddy Lumba’s children living in Germany and other countries are writing major academic examinations. The family insists it is emotionally and psychologically unfair to force them into a rushed funeral during a period that determines their educational future.
2. Autopsy and Investigations Are Still Underway
The full circumstances surrounding the musician’s death remain unclear, with investigations ongoing in both Ghana and Germany. Conflicting accounts have been reported, prompting a comprehensive autopsy. The family argues that burying the icon before these inquiries conclude is “highly suspicious.”
3. Immediate Family Abroad Cannot Secure Emergency Leave
Several key family members work abroad and require adequate notice to take leave. With only days left before the proposed funeral date, the family says it is logistically impossible for them to return home on time.
4. International Friends Need Time to Prepare
Lumba spent much of his career in Europe and built a wide network of friends, musicians, and admirers globally. The family believes a rushed funeral would prevent many of these close associates from traveling to Ghana to pay their last respects.
Chiefs
The family also addressed concerns involving Dadesoabahene, whom they say had already been informed—through Evangelist Yaw Akosa (Papa Shee)—that the funeral date must be revised.
Despite this, they question why Dadesoabahene appears to still engage with the dissolved committee, especially after admitting that Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu secretly recorded their private conversations and leaked them to bloggers, undermining the integrity of the process.
Unresolved Issues
The family further notes a violation of resolutions from the 3tamkɛse mediation meeting, which mandated:
1. Dissolution of the old funeral committee
2. Formation of a new, regulated committee
3. Completion of autopsy and investigations
4. Transfer of all funeral funds from CalBank into a new account
5. No unilateral actions by any individual or group
According to the family, these agreements have been blatantly ignored.
Funds Stealing
The family alleges that despite a court directive served on 21 November 2025 restricting his financial activities, Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu withdrew GHS 200,000 from CalBank, East Legon Branch, without their consent.
They also accuse Priscilla Ofori (Odo Broni) and Collins Owusu Amankwah of collaborating with him to operate the account despite knowing the committee had been dissolved.
Burial
With investigations yet to conclude and lingering questions about the events surrounding Daddy Lumba’s death, the family says the push for a December burial appears “questionable” and undermines transparency.
Family Decision
The family emphasizes:
No funeral date has been approved.
No individual has authority to set a date.
No funeral funds may be used without authorization from the newly formed committee.
They are calling on traditional leaders, the general public, and the media to disregard all unauthorized funeral announcements.
The direct family says they remain committed to:
A unified, dignified funeral
A full and truthful investigation
Upholding traditional protocols
Preserving the legacy of the late music icon
Signed by a 14- Ernestina Brempomaa Fosuh, Miller Attakorah, Yaw Akosa, Pastor Sammy Gyamfi, and others, the statement appeals for calm and public support as they navigate the complexities surrounding the funeral of one of the most cherished musicians.
