Daddy Lumba’s sister vows to block his burial until cause of death is known
Daddy Lumba, the celebrated Ghanaian highlife musician whose real name was Charles Kwadwo Fosu, passed away on July 26, 2025, at the age of 60, at the Bank Hospital in Accra. His death has been met with significant controversy, primarily fueled by his elder sister, Ernestina Fosu, who has vowed to block his burial until the family receives an official and satisfactory explanation for his death.
Basic Overview
Daddy Lumba’s funeral is scheduled for December 6, 2025, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. The immediate cause of death has been officially stated as a “short illness,” though the specific details remain contentious.
Historical Perspective
Daddy Lumba had a history of health challenges, including a severe medical condition in 2022 that temporarily left him unable to walk and required spinal surgery in 2024. A close friend indicated he had been unwell for over 15 years due to a spinal injury. He was also a known diabetic.
Current Opinions and Controversies
The primary controversy revolves around the demand for transparency regarding the cause of death.
Sister’s Stance: Ernestina Fosu has publicly rejected an “unapproved autopsy report,” alleging foul play and demanding a convincing explanation before the funeral can proceed. She has dramatically invoked Otumfuo’s Great Oath (Ntamkɛseɛ), a sacred traditional oath in the Asante Kingdom, to compel traditional authorities to investigate and prevent the burial until her concerns are addressed. She also alleges financial exploitation related to the funeral arrangements.
Conflicting Accounts and Calls for Investigation: Daddy Lumba’s German-based wife, Akosua Serwaa (whose marriage was confirmed by the German Embassy), and Ernestina Fosu have jointly called for an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances of his passing, citing inconsistencies in the narratives provided. They have appealed to both Ghanaian and German authorities for an inquiry, as Daddy Lumba held dual citizenship.
Legal Disputes: Akosua Serwaa’s injunction application to halt the funeral was dismissed by a Kumasi High Court on October 28, 2025. The court ruled that, under Ghanaian customary law, the authority to manage a deceased person’s corpse rests with the family. However, Akosua Serwaa has also filed a petition with the German Federal Criminal Police to investigate his death. Despite the court ruling, Ernestina Fosu remains resolute in her demand for clarity.
Family Head’s Authority: Following the court’s decision, the family head (Abusuapanyin), Victor Kofi Owusu Banahene, asserted full authority over the funeral arrangements, but Ernestina Fosu’s invocation of Otumfuo’s Great Oath complicates this.
Future Developments: Mediation efforts are reportedly underway to resolve the disputes before the scheduled funeral. The invocation of Otumfuo’s Great Oath implies that the matter will be brought before Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for adjudication, which could significantly impact the funeral proceedings.
