Accra High Court Lifts Injunction, Clearing Path for Daddy Lumba’s Funeral After GH¢2 Million Deadline Is Missed
The Accra High Court has given final approval for the funeral of Ghanaian music legend Daddy Lumba, paving the way for the burial to proceed on Saturday, December 13, 2025, as initially planned. This ruling follows days of tension, legal back-and-forth, and a dramatic deadline that ultimately determined the fate of the ceremony.
Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, passed away on July 26, 2025, at age 60. His death brought the nation to a standstill as fans, family, and the entertainment industry mourned the loss of a man who defined highlife music for more than three decades. As preparations for his funeral intensified, a sudden legal dispute erupted within his extended family, casting uncertainty over the ceremony.
The conflict began when some members of the late musician’s maternal family filed an injunction seeking to halt the funeral. They argued that their side of the family had been sidelined in the planning process and accused Kofi Owusu, the Abusuapanin (family head), of making decisions without proper consultation. They also insisted that the arrangements leading up to the funeral lacked transparency and did not follow the traditional structures guiding Akan family customs.
The court initially granted the injunction, stopping all funeral activities and even instructing the funeral home to withhold Lumba’s body until the case was resolved. This decision caused distress among fans and relatives who had already travelled and made preparations for the ceremony. The ruling also highlighted the importance of proper family representation in funerals, which hold deep cultural significance in Ghana, particularly among Akan families where the maternal lineage traditionally has a strong influence.
However, the legal landscape shifted dramatically when the court introduced a new condition: the applicants challenging the funeral were instructed to deposit GH¢2 million by 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025. This amount was to serve as financial security to cover any losses or expenses should the funeral be delayed or canceled as a result of the injunction. The judge made it clear that if the money was not paid by the deadline, the injunction would automatically be lifted and the burial would proceed as scheduled.
As the deadline approached, it became clear that the applicants were unable to raise the GH¢2 million. With the amount unpaid, the injunction immediately fell away. The High Court then issued a final ruling lifting all restrictions, giving the family legal clearance to continue with the funeral arrangements.
Following the decision, Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu personally visited the mortuary to take custody of Daddy Lumba’s body. Videos of the moment were widely shared, showing him confidently stepping out with the remains of the late musician as he announced that all funeral activities would proceed without further interruption. The family head also encouraged the public and fans of the highlife legend to attend the ceremony and join them in giving Lumba a dignified farewell.
The dispute and its resolution have sparked national conversations about the delicate balance between traditional customs and modern legal processes. While Ghanaian funerals remain heavily guided by cultural expectations, this case demonstrated how courts may intervene to ensure fairness, accountability, and stability when internal disputes threaten major family events—especially those involving public figures.
With the legal challenges resolved, preparations for the December 13 funeral have resumed in full force. Family members, friends, and thousands of fans are now preparing to gather in Kumasi to honour the extraordinary legacy of Daddy Lumba. His music, influence, and impact on Ghana will undoubtedly be remembered for generations, and the upcoming ceremony is expected to be one of the most emotional and heavily attended funerals in the country’s recent history.
Source: Thepressradio.com
