Justice for Akosua Serwaa Fosuh: Why the World Must Sign the Petition

The recent legal battle involving the estate of the late Highlife legend, Daddy Lumba (Charles Kwadwo Fosuh), and his widow, Akosua Serwaa Fosuh, has exposed deep flaws in the recognition of international civil marriages within our legal system. It has also raised serious concerns regarding fairness, legal consistency, and the rights of spouses married abroad.

What We Know

According to official records from the German Embassy in Accra, Akosua Serwaa and Daddy Lumba were legally married in Germany on December 23, 2004, under German Civil Law. Their marriage certificate is registered under reference number E 142/2004. The Embassy has further confirmed that the couple was never divorced before the musician’s death in July 2025.

Despite this confirmation, on November 28, 2025, a Kumasi High Court ruled that Serwaa cannot be recognized as the sole surviving spouse of Daddy Lumba. The court cited that the marriage certificate submitted was not accepted in the specific form provided.

Consequently, the court recognized both Serwaa and another claimant, Odo Broni (Priscilla Ofori), who argues that she was customarily married to the musician.

Why This Ruling Is Unjust

1. A valid civil marriage was disregarded.The issuing authority, the German Embassy, has confirmed the validity of the certificate. Rejecting a legally recognized foreign marriage due to procedural formalities undermines cross-border marriages and places countless spouses at risk.

2. Conflict between civil and customary lawCivil marriages, especially those contracted in countries with strict legal formalities like Germany, are strictly monogamous. Confusing civil marriage with customary practices leads to inconsistent and unfair outcomes.

3. Implications for the DiasporaMany Ghanaians live and marry abroad. If a foreign marriage certificate, confirmed by its issuing country, can still be dismissed in Ghana, the rights of thousands of spouses in the Diaspora could be affected.

4. Human and moral considerations.Beyond property and inheritance rights lies the dignity of a woman who built a legal life with her husband under foreign law. That legal bond deserves respect.

What We Are Calling For

A petition has been created to demand the proper recognition of Akosua Serwaa’s German marriage certificate and to call for fairness in the handling of international marriages in Ghana.

The petition demands:

• 
  A review of the court decision and urgent attention from the German Embassy.

• Clear and consistent procedures for recognizing foreign civil marriages.

• Protection of the rights and dignity of surviving spouses.

• Legal clarity to prevent future injustices involving international marriages.

Why This Matters

This case goes beyond a single-family dispute. It highlights the need for stronger legal frameworks that respect marriages conducted abroad and prevent miscarriages of justice.

Many families today span different countries and legal systems. Their rights must be protected. By signing the petition, you support fairness, international legal recognition, and equal treatment for all spouses, regardless of where the marriage was contracted.

Sign the petition here:https://www.change.org/p/recognize-akosua-serwaa-s-german-marriage-certificate-stop-the-injustice

Cobby James

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