Kumasi High Court rules Akosua Serwaa not Daddy Lumba’s sole lawful wife

The Kumasi High Court has dismissed Akosua Serwaa’s assertion that she is the only surviving spouse of the late highlife legend Daddy Lumba. Justice Dorinda Smith‑Arthur (PhD) ruled that Serwaa did not provide sufficient proof of a valid civil marriage to the musician. Although she presented a marriage certificate issued in Germany, the court questioned its authenticity and admissibility, concluding that the union amounted only to a customary marriage.

In the same judgment, the court affirmed that Priscilla Ofori, popularly known as “Odo Broni,” is legally recognised as a spouse under customary law and is therefore entitled to the rights of a surviving wife.

Funeral injunction denied

Earlier, Serwaa sought an injunction to stop Daddy Lumba’s funeral and burial rites, arguing that only she could authorise the ceremonies. The court dismissed the request in late October, stating that Serwaa had not met the legal burden required to block the family’s plans. Justice Smith‑Arthur described the practice of conducting both civil (ordinance) and customary marriages for the same couple as “wasteful,” noting that each form is independently valid under Ghanaian law.

Story by: Ernest Frimpong