Court Recognises Akosua Serwaa and Odo Broni as Legal Wives of Late Musician Daddy Lumba

A High Court in Kumasi has officially recognised both Akosua Serwaa Fosuh and Priscila Ofori, popularly known as Odo Broni, as the surviving wives of the late Ghanaian highlife legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, widely known as Daddy Lumba. The ruling brings resolution to a contentious legal battle that followed the musician’s death on July 26, 2025.

The court case was initiated by Akosua Serwaa, who filed a suit on October 3, 2025, seeking a declaration that she was the sole surviving wife of the late musician based on a civil marriage she claimed occurred in Bornheim, Germany in 2004. She also requested that the court prevent Odo Broni from identifying as a spouse and restrain the family head, Kofi Owusu Fosu, from recognising her in that capacity.

In its ruling on November 25, 2025, the court, presided over by Her Ladyship Justice Dorinda Smith Arthur, found that Akosua Serwaa had failed to meet the legal burden of proof required to establish the validity of the claimed civil marriage. The court highlighted that original marriage documents from Germany, along with official certification from the Ghana Embassy, were not submitted. Instead, only extracts and copies were provided, which did not meet the evidentiary standards under Sections 136 and 161 of the Evidence Act.

Further undermining the plaintiff's claim was the absence of expert testimony on German civil marriage law. The judge noted that under the Evidence Act, a recognised German civil marriage expert was required to verify the legitimacy of the alleged union. The court stressed that photographic evidence or conduct-based proof could not substitute proper documentation, especially given the potential for image manipulation.

However, the court also dismissed counterclaims suggesting that Akosua Serwaa’s customary marriage had been formally dissolved. It found the evidence presented by Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu on this issue to be inconsistent and unreliable. A letter allegedly sent by a law firm indicating Serwaa’s intent to initiate divorce proceedings was deemed insufficient proof that any legal separation had taken place.

In light of these findings, the court determined that both women had valid marital claims. It ruled that Akosua Serwaa remains a customary wife whose marriage had not been legally dissolved, and Odo Broni, who lived with Daddy Lumba for over 15 years and bore him six children, also qualifies as a surviving spouse. The ruling grants both women marital rights, including recognition in funeral and widowhood rites, as well as potential claims in estate matters.