Daddy Lumba’s Lawyer, who doubles as the Lawyer for the Abusua Panyin of the Fosu family, Fati Ali-Yallah Esq., has revealed that Akosua Serwaa Fosu failed to meet the legal requirements to prove she was civilly married to the late highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba.
She made the disclosure during an interview with Afi Adepa on Atinka TV’s Entertainment Lounge following the Kumasi High Court’s landmark decision recognizing both Akosua Serwaa and Priscilla Ofori Atta (Odo Broni) as surviving spouses.
According to Lawyer Fati Ali-Yallah of the Baba Jamal and Associate, the court relied heavily on Ghana’s Evidence Act, particularly Sections 161 and 143, which outline strict standards for foreign translations and certified documents.
“She didn’t bring a marriage certificate. They brought a family book. The first one was rejected, and another certificate came with three copies in English and German, none certified or notarized,”- she explained.
With her civil marriage claim weakened, the family called an expert witness to explain Akan customary marriage. The expert clarified that without completing the traditional divorce process—which must be initiated through the man family representative—Akosua Serwaa remained a wife under customary law. This guided the court’s decision to recognize both women.
Ali-Yallah added that the court encouraged Akosua Serwaa to apologize to the family so arrangements can be made regarding widowhood rites. “The family head will decide. Her claim that Odo Broni is not a wife was flawed. This is a victory for us,”- she said.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com