Proceedings at the Kumasi High Court took an emotional turn when Ernestina Fosuh, elder sister of the late highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, broke down in tears during cross-examination.
The unexpected emotional moment forced the court to temporarily suspend the session.
Justice Dorinda Smith-Arthur, who presided over the case, instructed the witness—also known as Akosua Brempomaah—to take some water and regain her composure before the proceedings resumed.
The dramatic moment occurred during questioning by counsel for the second defendant in a case brought by Akosua Serwaa Fosuh. She is seeking a court declaration recognizing her as the legal wife of the late musician and the rightful person to perform his widowhood rites.
The defence lawyer for Priscilla Ofori, popularly known as Odo Broni, questioned Madam Brempomaah about earlier statements in which she said her brother confided in her “about almost everything.” The lawyer pressed her on why Daddy Lumba named his first son with Akosua Serwaa Fosuh, Calvyn Schindler, instead of choosing a family name or naming him after himself.
After the short break, cross-examination resumed, and Madam Fosuh provided further insight into her brother’s life and relationships. She told the court that Daddy Lumba relocated to Ghana from Germany in 2013 and that whenever she visited the country every six months, she stayed at his residence in Tantra Hills.
She recounted meeting Odo Broni for the first time when the latter gave birth to her son, Junior. She further explained that she later became aware that the late musician and Odo Broni had a second child just five months afterward, a child who was named after their late mother, Amma Saah.
Asked whether their mother lived to see the child named in her honour, she said no, revealing that December marks 24 years since their mother passed away. As the eldest child of the family, she explained that she has always served in the role of a mother figure and that Daddy Lumba regarded her as such.
When questioned about whether Daddy Lumba and Odo Broni lost one of their children, she confirmed the incident. She added that the musician and Odo Broni had three children living at his brother’s Tantra Hills home, while another three were registered at his East Legon residence.
The court, however, still faces two central questions:
- Did Daddy Lumba perform the required in-law funeral rites at the funeral of Akosua Serwaa’s mother?
- Were Daddy Lumba and Akosua Serwaa legally married before his death?
On the matter of funeral rites, Madam Brempomaah firmly rejected defence counsel’s claims that her late brother failed to perform “Nseyie,” the traditional rites required when a spouse’s parent dies. She insisted that Daddy Lumba and other family members were present at the funeral and added that she has video evidence to support her claim.
Regarding the alleged collapse of the marriage between Daddy Lumba and Akosua Serwaa before his death, she dismissed suggestions that Serwaa returned the “Ti Nsa” (head drink), which would signify the end of a customary marriage. She emphasized that if such a major development had occurred, she would have been the first person her brother informed. She maintained that the marriage remained intact and referenced the fact that Akosua Serwaa Fosuh still has health insurance (krankenversicherung) and labour documents reserved for married couples.
The court also heard testimony from Osei Bonsu Kantanka, a representative from the Manhyia Palace who was subpoenaed to provide expert insights into Asante customs, traditions, and cultural practices—particularly those concerning customary marriage and funeral rites.
After listening to the witness statements, Justice Dorinda Smith-Arthur adjourned the hearing to Friday for continuation.
