The High Court 5, General Jurisdiction in Kumasi, presided over by Her Ladyship Justice Mrs. Dorinda Smith Arthur (PhD), has dismissed claims by Akosua Serwaa the first wife of the late music legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba that she was married to the artiste under civil law and therefore remained his only lawful spouse.
Delivering the judgment before a packed courtroom on Friday, November 28, 2025, Justice Smith Arthur held that the plaintiff failed to prove the existence of a civil marriage between herself and the deceased musician. The Court ruled that no civil marriage existed between Akosua Serwaa and Daddy Lumba, emphasizing instead that their union was customary, not civil.
According to the detailed 74-page judgment, the Court concluded that Akosua Serwaa cannot be regarded as the sole surviving spouse of Daddy Lumba.
Is Priscilla Ofori (Odo Broni) Also a Wife?
The judgment further clarified the status of Priscilla Ofori, popularly known as Odo Broni. Justice Smith Arthur’s decision affirmed that Priscilla Ofori is legally recognized as a wife of the deceased musician and therefore possesses full spousal rights under Ghanaian law.
Certified copies of the Court’s full judgment will be made available on December 1, 2025.
Widowhood Rites
The Court also directed that the family of the late Daddy Lumba has the exclusive authority to decide which of the wives will perform the widowhood rites for the departed musician, in accordance with customary practices.
