The ongoing legal tussle surrounding the estate of late Ghanaian highlife legend Daddy Lumba has taken a significant turn, as one of his daughters has successfully had her name removed from court documents seeking control of his estate. The development, which played out at the Kumasi High Court, has added a fresh layer of complexity to an already sensitive family matter involving one of Ghana’s most celebrated musicians.
At the centre of the issue is Charlyn Fosuh, a daughter of the late musician, who challenged her inclusion in an application for letters of administration a legal document that grants authority to manage and distribute the assets of a deceased person. According to her legal team, Charlyn was listed as an applicant without her knowledge or consent, prompting her to take swift legal action to dissociate herself from the process.
Court upholds daughter’s objection
Appearing before the court through her lawyer, Enoch Afoakwah, Charlyn made it clear that she neither signed nor authorised any affidavit connected to the application. Her legal team argued that her name had been added improperly, amounting to a misjoinder. After reviewing the submissions, the court upheld her objection and ordered that her name be struck out from the letters of administration application.
The ruling was widely seen as a firm reminder of the importance of consent and due process in estate-related matters, especially in high-profile cases involving multiple beneficiaries.
Estate application at the heart of the dispute
The original application for letters of administration reportedly included the names of Daddy Lumba’s widow, Akosua Serwaa Fosuh, his elder sister Ernestina Fosuh, and Charlyn Fosuh. The goal was to obtain legal authority to manage the late musician’s estate, which includes intellectual property rights, royalties, and other assets accumulated over decades of an illustrious career.
However, Charlyn’s objection immediately cast doubt on the legitimacy of the filing, leading to the court’s decision to remove her name entirely. Her legal representatives stressed that she preferred an amicable and transparent family process rather than being drawn into legal proceedings she had not approved.
Family tensions surface publicly
Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, passed away in July 2025, leaving behind an enormous musical legacy that shaped Ghanaian highlife for generations. Since his death, discussions around the administration of his estate have played out not only in courtrooms but also in the public eye, with fans and commentators closely following developments.
The dispute has highlighted underlying tensions within the family, particularly regarding who should lead the management of the estate and how decisions should be made. While Ghana’s intestate succession laws allow spouses and children to apply for letters of administration, disagreements often arise when consensus is lacking especially in families connected to public figures.
A call for unity and dialogue
In distancing herself from the court process, Charlyn has aligned herself with calls for peace and unity within the family. Through her legal action, she signaled that her priority lies in preserving harmony and respecting her father’s memory rather than engaging in prolonged legal battles.
Observers note that estate disputes are not uncommon in the absence of a clear will, but they can be particularly emotional when they involve celebrated personalities. Many fans of Daddy Lumba have expressed hope that the family will eventually resolve the matter quietly and respectfully, allowing the focus to return to honoring his immense contribution to Ghanaian music.