Ghana News
LIVESTREAMED: Daddy Lumba’s Funeral Successfully Held as Thousands Pay Last Respects to a Legend at Baba Yara Stadium
The long national farewell to Ghana’s highlife icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosu—known across Africa and the diaspora as Daddy Lumba—reached its emotional peak on Saturday, December 13, 2025, as thousands of mourners converged on the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi for his final burial and funeral rites.
The massive turnout, which includes senior government officials, traditional rulers, musicians, and fans from across the world, marks the close of a months-long period of uncertainty and legal wrangling that at several points threatened to halt the funeral altogether.
Court Ruling Clears the Way
The funeral is proceeding only after a tense, last-minute legal resolution at the Accra High Court on Friday, December 12.
Maternal relatives of the late musician had sought an injunction to stop the burial, arguing that they were sidelined in planning arrangements led by the family head, Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu. While the court initially granted the injunction, it attached a decisive condition: the applicants were ordered to deposit GH¢2 million to cover costs already incurred should the funeral be cancelled.
When the applicants failed to meet the court’s deadline for payment, the injunction lapsed, effectively clearing the way for the funeral to go ahead as scheduled.
Reacting to the ruling, lead counsel for the defendants, Dominic Osei, described the decision as a necessary relief.
He noted that prolonged litigation over a deceased loved one only deepens pain and urged Ghanaians to set aside differences and attend the funeral to honour Daddy Lumba’s enduring legacy.
Custom, Law, and Family Tensions
Beyond the courtroom, the dispute reignited public debate about the intersection of Ghana’s statutory legal system and Akan customary law, which traditionally vests authority over funeral rites in the maternal family. The case underscored how cultural norms, modern law, and celebrity status can collide—sometimes painfully—when a national icon passes.
Inside the Stadium: A Nation in Mourning
By mid-morning, the Baba Yara Sports Stadium had been transformed into a solemn but majestic sea of black and red.
Tens of thousands of mourners filled the stands and pitch area, reflecting Daddy Lumba’s extraordinary reach across generations and social divides. The casket bearing the body of the “Highlife King” lay in state, allowing the public to pay their final respects.
Traditional dirges echoed through the stadium, interwoven with emotional renditions of Lumba’s timeless songs, including Yentie Obiaa, which many mourners sang softly, some in tears. Fellow musicians—many of whom credit him as a mentor—stood shoulder to shoulder with fans who grew up with his music as the soundtrack to their lives.
A Musical Legacy Spanning Three Decades
Born Charles Kwadwo Fosu, Daddy Lumba’s influence on Ghanaian music is both vast and enduring.
He began his career in the late 1980s as part of the Lumba Brothers before launching a solo journey that produced more than 30 albums and countless hits. His music was celebrated for its lyrical range—moving seamlessly from love and heartbreak to spirituality, social commentary, and political reflection.
Equally significant was his role in shaping Burger Highlife, fusing traditional Ghanaian rhythms with modern European studio techniques. That sound would go on to influence an entire generation of artistes and redefine contemporary highlife.
A National Farewell
Saturday’s funeral is more than a family ceremony. It is a national moment of reckoning with the loss of one of Ghana’s most gifted and influential cultural figures—an artiste whose songs narrated everyday life and whose voice became inseparable from the country’s modern musical identity.
After the public service at the stadium, Daddy Lumba’s body will be moved for private interment, bringing final rest to a man whose life—and even his death—commanded national attention.
For Ghana and its global community, the farewell at Baba Yara Stadium stands as a reminder that Daddy Lumba was not just a musician, but a cultural institution whose legacy will long outlive the final notes sung in his honour.
Ghana News
Fatal Fire on Accra-Tema Motorway, Private Awards for Ministers Trigger Backlash, Patients Stranded at KATH, and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today
We have curated the most relevant stories in Ghana today, bringing you timely updates on key issues in the country wherever you may be. Stay tuned.
President Mahama Directs Appointees to Refrain from Awards by Doubtful Organizers
President John Dramani Mahama has directed all ministers of state, CEOs of state institutions, and other political appointees to refrain from participating in, sponsoring, endorsing, attending, or accepting awards from private organizations without express authorisation from the Office of the President. This follows concerns over the proliferation of awards from entities with unclear credentials, lacking transparent and verifiable criteria, which risk undermining public service integrity and exposing government to criticism. A recent example was the 6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards. The directive, issued via a letter dated June 8, 2026, by Secretary to the President Dr. Callistus Mahama, emphasizes performance assessment based on manifesto commitments, policy targets, and measurable outcomes rather than external recognitions. A comprehensive review of ministers and CEOs is planned to inform retention, reassignment, or restructuring. Public officials are urged to focus on service delivery and results for Ghanaians. Read the full story here
Patients Stranded at KATH as Doctors and Nurses Protest CEO Suspension
Hundreds of patients have been left stranded at the Out-Patient Department of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi as doctors and nurses refuse to attend new cases in protest against the two-week suspension of CEO Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo. The action stems from the Ministry of Health’s decision following the temporary closure of the Accident and Emergency Centre due to overcrowding. Health workers, backed by the Health Workers Union, argue the suspension was unjust as the decision was collective. The Ministry has appealed for staff to resume duties, warning of impacts on vulnerable patients, while investigations continue. Scenes of confusion and long waits have been reported at the facility. The standoff highlights ongoing operational pressures at Ghana’s major referral hospital, with calls for resolution to restore services. Read the full story here
Meet Edem Wosornu: Ghanaian Appointed UN Assistant High Commissioner for Protection
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Ghanaian Edem Wosornu as Assistant High Commissioner for Protection at the UNHCR, succeeding Ruvendrini Menikdiwela of Sri Lanka. Currently Director of OCHA’s Crisis Response Division (appointed April 2023) and Chair of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Emergency Directors Group, Wosornu brings over 21 years of humanitarian experience. She previously held leadership roles in OCHA’s Humanitarian Sector Division and worked with UNHCR and in private legal practice in London. She holds advanced legal qualifications from UK institutions and speaks English and French. Her appointment highlights Ghanaian expertise on the global stage in humanitarian affairs. Read the full story here
Fuel Tanker-Tipper Truck Crash Sparks Fatal Fire on Accra-Tema Motorway
A collision between a fuel tanker and a tipper truck on the Accra-Tema Motorway early on June 9, 2026, triggered a major fire outbreak. The Ghana National Fire Service confirmed the blaze has been fully extinguished, with recovery operations and investigations ongoing at the scene.
The incident was described as fatal, though specific casualty details were not immediately released. Emergency responders worked to contain the fire and secure the busy motorway. Authorities are investigating the cause as motorists and commuters expressed concerns over safety on the critical route. Read the full story here
Mahama to Assess Ministers Ahead of Possible Reshuffle
President John Dramani Mahama is set to conduct a comprehensive performance review of ministers and CEOs of state institutions, with findings to guide retention, reassignment, or Cabinet restructuring. This ties into a directive barring public officials from questionable private awards, urging focus on policy delivery and measurable results. The review aligns with the 2024 NDC Manifesto and government development agenda. The move signals emphasis on accountability and effective governance. Read the full story here
Cedi Weakens Further Amid Second Quarter FX Demand Pressures
The Ghana cedi has continued depreciating against major currencies due to rising foreign exchange demand and corporate repatriation needs. In the interbank market, it traded at GHS 11.85/USD (from GHS 11.63), with similar losses against the pound and euro. Retail rates also rose, reflecting broader pressures despite Bank of Ghana interventions. Analysts expect further strain from Q2 profit outflows, though a $1.2 billion monthly FX support is anticipated. Global factors like high oil prices contribute to the bearish outlook. Read the full story here
Unchecked Development Driving Recurring Accra Floods – Prof. Chris Gordon
Environmental scientist Prof. Chris Gordon has attributed recurring floods in areas like Oyarifa to buildings in natural waterways and drainage paths, destroying vegetation and creating impervious surfaces. He described the incidents as predictable outcomes of rapid, unchecked urban development replacing farmlands and forests. Stricter planning enforcement and land-use management are needed to mitigate risks. “You cannot cheat nature,” he emphasised, calling for science-based approaches to urban planning. Read the full story here
Ghana News
Today’s Newspaper Headlines: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.
















Ghana News
‘Once You Have Life, There Is Hope’: Ghana Demands Compensation for Citizens Hit by South Africa Attacks
Ghana’s government has launched a formal push for compensation on behalf of citizens evacuated from South Africa following deadly xenophobic attacks, with Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa urging returnees to meticulously document every lost property, business, and asset.
Addressing the second batch of evacuees on arrival in Accra on Saturday, June 6, 2026, Ablakwa made clear that the West African nation’s response would not end with evacuation.
“We are not only concerned about evacuating you, but we are concerned about your full integration,” he said. “The government of Ghana has decided that we are not going to sit back without any effort in attempting to secure compensation for those of you who have lost your properties, lost your assets, lost your businesses and your shops.”
The minister directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to begin assembling documentation and evidence to support a legal compensation case. He urged returnees to provide ownership documents, addresses, and any supporting records that could strengthen Ghana’s claim.
“Please make sure that you provide all the information that we require,” he said, noting that forms were already being circulated.
Ablakwa disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama had instructed him to petition the African Union over the matter and raise it at the next AU ministerial meeting.
“President Mahama is going to make a very strong case for you so that you will be compensated and justice will be done,” he stated.
While acknowledging the heavy losses suffered by some evacuees who had spent decades building businesses in South Africa, Ablakwa struck a tone of resilience:
“Yes, you have lost property, you have lost assets, you have left your businesses behind… but nothing comes anywhere near life. Once you have life, there is hope.”
Ghana acted swiftly to evacuate its citizens before the situation worsened, the minister said, adding that several other African countries had reported fatalities among their nationals during the unrest. Ghana’s evacuation strategy has since drawn interest from multiple African governments, with foreign ministers contacting Accra to learn from its operation.
Beyond compensation, Ablakwa announced that nearly 200 jobs had already been secured for returning Ghanaians through a government initiative involving local businesses. Companies including Engineers and Planners, AirtelTigo, and Telecel have responded positively, he said, with additional employers continuing to offer vacancies.
Reassuring evacuees of continued government support for reintegration, Ablakwa emphasized their value to Ghana’s economy, pointing to remittances from Ghanaians abroad, which reached a record US$7.8 billion last year, according to Bank of Ghana data.
“We value you because you have always contributed to this economy,” he said.
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