The family of the late highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, has refuted claims circulating in the media about who holds the right to perform widowhood rites and oversee funeral arrangements.
In a statement issued by the family’s press secretary and signed by Mrs. Akosua Serwah Fosuh, the legally recognised widow, and Ms. Ernestina Fosuh, sister of the deceased, the family dismissed rumours that two women had agreed to perform widowhood rites together at the upcoming funeral. The claim, aired on Peace FM by broadcaster Akwasi Aboagye on 25 October, was described as “false, misleading, and without any factual or legal basis.”
A meeting to clarify the matter was held on Saturday, 25 October, at Asawasehenefie, chaired by Nana Osei Kwame Kyeretwie, Nkosuohene for Asanteman. During the session, a representative of Ms. Priscilla Ofori Atta, who has publicly claimed to be a widow, was asked to provide proof of marriage to the late musician. Neither Ms. Ofori Atta’s lawyer nor Abusuapaini Kofi Owusu, who spoke on her behalf, could produce a marriage certificate or any other legal document.
Following this, Nana Osei Kwame Kyeretwie ruled that in the absence of any legal proof of marriage, the only recognised and lawful widow remains Mrs. Akosua Serwah Fosuh, who was married to the late musician under the Marriage Ordinance. He also noted that since the issue is currently before the court, a final decision will come from the judiciary.
The family stated that Ms. Ofori Atta insisted on performing cultural widowhood rites at the meeting but was firmly opposed by the Fosuh family. “No individual can assume the role of a widow or perform widowhood rites without a valid marriage recognised by law,” the family maintained.
Under Ghana’s Marriage Ordinance (Cap 127), Mrs. Akosua Serwah Fosuh is recognised as the lawful widow and next of kin, with full rights over funeral and burial arrangements, any autopsy or investigation requests, and inheritance or administration of the estate. The family also pointed out that under German civil law, the marriage between Mr. and Mrs. Fosuh remained valid at the time of his death, since no divorce decree had been finalised.
In their statement, the family expressed disappointment that the issue had become a subject of public debate. “The law is clear and consistent. Mrs. Akosua Serwah Fosuh is, by both Ghanaian and German law, the only lawful widow of the late Mr. Fosuh. We urge the public and the media to respect the truth and uphold the dignity of our beloved father, brother, and husband,” they said.
The family concluded by calling on the media to verify information before publication and to avoid spreading unfounded claims that could inflame tensions ahead of the funeral.
Source: metrotvonline.com
