Newly released legal records from the High Court of Justice in Accra indicate that the late highlife music icon Daddy Lumba died without a registered will, setting the stage for a complex legal battle over his estate.
A formal search conducted at the Probate and Administration Division of the High Court’s registry in January 2026 shows no record of a Last Will and Testament belonging to Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba. The official search form, endorsed by the Registrar on January 19, 2026, explicitly states “No Record” in response to whether a will was deposited in the registry.
Further details that would normally appear on the registry search such as the date of deposition of a will, the person who deposited it, and the lawyer who prepared it were all left blank, reinforcing the likelihood that no valid registered will exists on record.
If confirmed, the absence of a registered will means that Daddy Lumba’s estate which includes numerous properties and valuable assets will be distributed under Ghana’s Intestate Succession Act (PNDC Law 111), rather than according to his personal wishes.
Under Ghanaian law, when someone dies intestate, assets are shared among the surviving spouse(s), children, and other next of kin according to a statutory formula. In cases where the deceased had more than one legally recognized spouse as has been determined in separate court rulings concerning Daddy Lumba’s marital relationships each spouse is entitled to an appropriate share.
The revelation about the lack of a registered will comes amid ongoing legal disputes over the late musician’s estate. Daddy Lumba passed away on July 26, 2025, at The Bank Hospital in Accra after a short illness, at the age of 60. His death triggered months of legal wrangling involving family members, recognized spouses, and funeral arrangements that eventually led to his burial in December 2025.
Earlier rulings by the Kumasi High Court confirmed that both Akosua Serwaa and Priscilla Ofori (also known as Odo Broni) were customarily married to Daddy Lumba and are recognized as his surviving spouses for legal purposes.
Amid these disputes, Akosua Serwaa and other family members have filed separate applications at the High Court’s Probate Division in Accra seeking Letters of Administration a legal instrument that allows appointed administrators to oversee and distribute the estate.
Legal experts often emphasize that a properly drafted and registered will can prevent lengthy disputes and ensure that a person’s wishes are followed after death. In high‑asset estates involving properties, businesses, and multiple beneficiaries, the absence of a clear testamentary document increases the likelihood of court battles and familial tensions.
Daddy Lumba’s musical legacy endures across generations, with fans and fellow artists continuing to celebrate his contributions to Ghanaian music. Yet, the legal complexities following his passing illustrate the challenges that iconic figures can leave behind when estate planning is not formally documented.
