BY Grace Zigah
The planned grand funeral of Ghana’s legendary highlife musician, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, has hit a legal snag as his wife and children have filed a suit at a Kumasi High Court seeking to restrain family members and organisers from proceeding with the arrangements.
Court documents sighted indicate that Madam Akosua Serwaah Fosuh, wife of the late musician, has initiated legal action against Abusua-Panin Kofi Owusu of Abuakwa-Kumasi, Priscilla Ofori a.k.a. Odo Broni, and Transitions Funeral Home (Enterprise Funeral Services), which has been contracted to handle the funeral.
The writ of summons, filed under the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2004 (Order 2 Rule 3(1)), commands the defendants to enter an appearance within eight days of service or risk judgment being entered against them in their absence.
The case, registered at the Kumasi High Court, seeks an injunction to stop the funeral preparations until the court determines who has the legitimate right to organise the burial of the celebrated musician.
According to sources close to the family, Akosua Serwaah Fosuh and her children are contesting the manner in which certain relatives and associates of the late musician—particularly Abusua-Panin Kofi Owusu and Priscilla Ofori (Odo Broni)—have taken control of the funeral plans without consulting his immediate family.
The plaintiff is reportedly seeking to assert her legal and matrimonial rights as the widow and next of kin of the deceased.
The Planned State-Like Funeral
Before the legal challenge, DL FM, a radio station founded by Daddy Lumba, had announced that the musician’s funeral would be held on December 6, 2025, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
The event, described as a state-like farewell, was expected to attract tens of thousands of mourners, including political leaders, traditional authorities, industry players, and fans from Ghana and abroad.
Legacy of a Legend
Born in 1965 at Nsuta near Mampong in the Ashanti Region, Charles Kwadwo Fosu—known by fans as Daddy Lumba (DL)—rose to prominence in the 1980s after releasing a string of chart-topping albums.
His collaborations with fellow artists like Nana Acheampong helped define and modernize Ghanaian highlife music.
With over 30 albums to his credit—including classics such as Aben Wo Ha, Yentie Obiaa, Theresa Abebrese, Sika Asem, Ako Te Brofo, and Odo Bewu Dee—Lumba became a household name, blending wit, storytelling, and romance in his lyrics. His songs have transcended generations, earning him multiple Ghana Music Awards and international recognitions.
The injunction application now threatens to delay what was expected to be one of the most monumental funerals in the entertainment history.
If granted, it could force the organisers—including Transitions Funeral Home—to suspend all ongoing preparations until the court resolves the dispute.
