Traditional authorities of the Ga-Dangme people have raised strong objections to the reported burial of Ghanaian highlife legend Daddy Lumba at his private residence in East Legon, insisting that such a move violates both Ghanaian law and Ga traditional customs.

In a video shared by blogger ZionFelix on social media, Reverend Dr Jesse Ankrah, spokesperson for the office of the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse, the spiritual overlord of the Ga-Dangme people, stated that burial in a private home is not permitted under Ga-Adangbe traditions.

According to Rev Ankrah, Ga custom is clear that the dead must be buried in designated cemeteries or approved traditional burial grounds rather than in residential compounds.

He noted that any deviation from this practice would require specific traditional rites to appease the gods and cleanse the land.

Daddy Lumba's family removes Abusuapanyin Kofi Owusu as family head

“It is unclean to have dead bodies brought close to our deities. We do not permit that, and the spirits around us also do not permit it. If such a thing happens, the land must be pacified, the deities must be appeased, and the traditional leadership that has authority over the territory where the body is buried must also be consulted,” he said.

Rev Ankrah also raised concerns about potential environmental hazards associated with such burials.

He explained that liquids released during the decomposition of a body could seep into the ground and potentially contaminate nearby water sources.

“From an environmental perspective, it is also against the laws of the state and the laws of the community. If the body begins to decompose in the ground, fluids from the body can seep into the soil. For instance, if someone living nearby relies on a borehole for household water, such contamination could pose a serious health risk. Additionally, if the deceased had any infectious disease before burial, it could become a problem for the entire community,” he said.

The controversy reportedly arose after comments attributed to the musician’s family head, Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu, suggested that the late singer had been buried at his East Legon residence.

In response, the office of the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse summoned him to appear before the traditional authority to explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged burial.

“We attempted to contact Abusuapanin Victor Owusu, also known as ‘Tupac,’ to raise our concerns and make it clear that such actions are not tolerated. We expected him to honour the invitation extended to him this morning. However, we have waited for some time and he has not arrived. There are also rumours and reports suggesting that the said Abusuapanin Victor Owusu has been removed as head of the family,” he stated.

The laws of Ghana and Ga Adangbe don’t allow Daddy Lumba to be buried at home, the family must pacify the gods - Rev Ankrah, spokesperson for the Gborbu wulomo-shitse pic.twitter.com/iXrw9kPheZ

— Zionfelix (@onua_zionfelix) March 12, 2026