The High Court in Accra has ordered the postponement of the funeral of Ghana’s late highlife icon Daddy Lumba, following a legal dispute within his family over who has the authority to organise his final rites.
The ruling places an injunction on all funeral arrangements, halting plans for the burial which had been scheduled for mid-December. The court said the process could not proceed until outstanding issues relating to custody of the body and decision-making rights were resolved.
Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, died earlier this year, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across Ghana and beyond. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern Ghanaian music, with a career spanning more than three decades.
In its decision, the court held that no single individual or faction within the family could unilaterally determine funeral arrangements. It directed that all relevant family representatives and stakeholders engage in consultations aimed at reaching a consensus on the way forward, including the selection of a new funeral date.
The judge also issued orders relating to funds raised in the name of the funeral, directing that they be properly accounted for and kept separate pending the resolution of the dispute.
The case was brought by members of the musician’s maternal family, who argued that under Akan customary law, responsibility for burial rites rests with the maternal lineage. They sought to prevent the release of Daddy Lumba’s body until the court clarified who had the lawful authority to take charge of the funeral.
The application highlighted broader disagreements within the family, including concerns over consultation, transparency and control of memorial activities linked to the late artist.
National interest in a private family matter
The postponement has drawn significant public attention, reflecting Daddy Lumba’s stature as a cultural figure whose music shaped generations of listeners in Ghana. While many fans had anticipated a large public farewell, the court’s ruling underscores the legal and customary complexities that can surround funeral rites, even for national icons.
Until the consultations ordered by the court are completed and the issues resolved, Daddy Lumba’s funeral will remain on hold.
