Traditional leaders of the Ga-Dangme people have voiced strong opposition to reports that Ghanaian highlife legend Daddy Lumba was buried at his private residence in East Legon. They insist such a burial breaches both Ghanaian law and Ga cultural norms.
In a video shared by ZionFelix, Reverend Dr Jesse Ankrah, spokesperson for the office of the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse, the spiritual leader of the Ga-Dangme, explained that traditional customs prohibit burials in private homes.
“Burial in a private residence is not allowed under Ga-Adangbe traditions,” Rev Ankrah said, adding that the dead must be laid to rest in designated cemeteries or recognized traditional grounds.
He warned that any departure from this practice would require specific rites to appease the gods and cleanse the land. “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.”
Rev Ankrah also highlighted potential environmental risks linked to home burials. He explained that fluids from a decomposing body can seep into the soil and 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 intensified after comments attributed to the musician’s family head, Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu, suggested that Daddy Lumba had been buried at his East Legon residence.
In response, the office of the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse summoned him to clarify the situation. “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,” Rev Ankrah stated.
Watch the video below.
