The High Court in Kumasi has adjourned to Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the case involving the funeral arrangements and the dispute over who should be recognised as the legal wife to perform the widowhood rites of the late Ghanaian highlife legend, Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba.
On Monday, November 17, the court began the cross-examination of the plaintiff, Akosua Serwaa’s lawful Attorney, Georgina Osei, based on her witness statement. During the interrogation, defence counsel suggested to the witness that a head drink had been returned by Akosua Serwaa to Daddy Lumba, signifying a dissolution of their marriage, but the witness denied this.
The witness was subsequently confronted with a video of Daddy Lumba allegedly confirming who performed in-law rites during his mother’s funeral. She insisted that the video had been edited. When further pressed that the plaintiff’s refusal to perform the in-law rites (nsiyie) was the cause of their separation, the witness again referenced the video and maintained that it had been tampered with.
She also disputed claims that the deceased failed to attend the funeral of the plaintiff’s mother on January 4, 2018.
Responding to a question on whether the family of a deceased person bears responsibility for burial and final funeral rites, the witness answered in the affirmative.
The marriage certificate of the plaintiff and the deceased also surfaced during proceedings, with defence lawyers describing the document as fictitious. They argued that the plaintiff’s name at birth, as indicated on the certificate, Akosua Serwaa Schindler, contradicted the witness’s statement that her name at birth is simply Akosua Serwaa.
Cross-examination is expected to continue on Tuesday, November 18. Meanwhile, the defence counsel has expressed satisfaction with proceedings so far, noting that the final decision rests with the judge. He added that their primary interest is ensuring peace for the funeral to be held smoothly.
“The judge has promised to give us the final judgment on the 25th of November. The case is progressing as we expected, but the final decision rests with the judge. Besides, the plaintiff has yet to present their case, so at this point, we cannot determine our fate.
“That determination solely depends on the judge, and we respect that. We are here not just for victory or defeat; we are here to ensure that justice prevails and that peace is maintained,” Defense counsel,” Dominic Kwadwo Osei said.
Daddy Lumba passed away on July 26, 2025, and since then, a dispute has arisen over who is legally entitled to perform the widowhood rites: Akosua Serwaa, who claims to be the lawful wife, or Priscilla Ofori, popularly known as Odo Broni.
BY DORIS LONTA
