By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
The Manhyia Palace has firmly distanced itself from the intensifying disagreements surrounding the death and funeral arrangements of Ghanaian Highlife icon, Daddy Lumba.
In a public disclaimer issued through Opemsuo Radio on Thursday, December 11, 2025, the Palace urged the public to “disregard any reports attempting to associate the Palace with matters concerning the preparations for the burial and funeral rites of Mr. Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba.”
The announcement comes at a time when internal tensions within the late musician’s family have escalated sharply. The disputes primarily involving Abusuapanyin Kofi Owusu, Ernestina Fosua, and some spouses of the late legend have spilled from private discussions into the public arena, generating widespread national attention.
Controversies surrounding Daddy Lumba’s funeral have ranged from disagreements over the burial date to debates over autopsy findings and the performance of widowhood rites. Originally scheduled for December 13, 2025, the funeral now faces uncertainty, with some family factions reportedly pushing for a possible shift to March 2026.
What began as internal family conversations has since evolved into legal disputes, with aspects of the case currently before the courts. Matters escalated further when Ernestina Fosua invoked Ntam Kese, leading to the issue being presented before the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Despite the matter reaching the Manhyia Traditional Council for attention, the Palace has made it clear that it has no involvement in decisions regarding the late musician’s final rites. The disclaimer emphasizes the Palace’s complete detachment from all controversies and funeral planning issues, urging the public and media to avoid linking Manhyia to the ongoing disagreements.
The Palace reiterated that any publication suggesting its participation or influence in the funeral arrangements is false and should be disregarded entirely.
With no consensus yet among the family members, uncertainty continues to surround the final date and nature of the funeral rites for the celebrated musician, whose impact on Highlife music remains unmatched.
As the disputes drag on, many Ghanaians are hoping for an amicable resolution that will allow the nation to honor Daddy Lumba’s legacy with the dignity and unity befitting his illustrious career.
