The Accra High Court has placed an injunction on the funeral of Ghana’s celebrated Highlife icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, following a writ filed by the musician’s maternal family.
The highly anticipated funeral, which was scheduled to take place on 13 December in Kumasi, has now been suspended until further notice.
The court’s decision comes after members of the maternal family challenged the arrangements and raised concerns over what they described as a lack of proper consultation.
According to the writ, the family argued that key customary protocols had been overlooked, prompting them to seek judicial intervention to prevent the funeral from proceeding under disputed circumstances.
In its ruling, the High Court restrained the first respondent from organising or continuing with the planned funeral ceremony.
The court further ordered that no preparations or rites related to the event should take place until the issues raised by the maternal family have been fully addressed.
Additionally, the third respondent has been barred from releasing the late musician’s body. This means the mortal remains of Daddy Lumba will remain in custody until clarity and consensus are achieved among the family factions.
The court emphasised that maintaining peace, preventing conflict, and ensuring respect for Ghanaian customary traditions are essential in such a high-profile matter.
As part of the court’s directives, the first respondent has been instructed to convene a meeting involving all relevant stakeholders, including members of the paternal and maternal families.
The purpose of this meeting is to foster dialogue, resolve outstanding disagreements, and collaboratively determine a new date for the funeral rites. The court stressed that full participation of the maternal family is crucial, noting that their involvement is a fundamental requirement under customary law.
The injunction has generated significant public attention, given Daddy Lumba’s towering influence in Ghana’s music industry. Known for timeless hits, an unrivalled vocal style, and a career spanning decades, his legacy cuts across generations. Fans across the country had anticipated a grand farewell befitting his legendary status, making the court’s latest intervention a major development.
While the suspension of the funeral may come as a disappointment to many admirers, legal analysts note that such rulings are not unusual in cases involving high-profile individuals.
Disagreements regarding funeral arrangements, especially within extended families, often require judicial direction to ensure fairness and compliance with tradition.
The court’s ruling does not indicate when the funeral will eventually take place. However, it is expected that once the mandated meeting is held and consensus is reached, an updated date will be announced.
For now, all parties involved are required to adhere strictly to the injunction to avoid contempt of court.
The High Court’s intervention underscores the importance of resolving internal disputes respectfully and lawfully, particularly in matters of cultural significance. As the nation awaits further developments, many continue to celebrate Daddy Lumba’s extraordinary contributions to Ghanaian music and hope for a peaceful resolution that honours his legacy with the dignity it deserves.
