Leadership, especially within families, traditional institutions, and religious communities, demands more than firmness it requires consistency, clarity, and responsibility.
Recent public statements by Mr. Kofi Owusu, the Abusua Panin (family head) of the Pakoso Ekona Family, the family from which Ghana’s celebrated music icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, hails; raise serious concerns about leadership communication in the public space.
Following the death of Daddy Lumba, Abusua Panin Kofi Owusu granted several media interviews in which he made emphatic and, at times, conflicting statements about critical matters surrounding the late musician’s personal life and marital issues.
In his initial media engagement, Mr. Owusu stated categorically that Daddy Lumba had only one wife, Madam Akosua Serwaa, and that he was not aware of any other marriage, despite widespread public knowledge that the musician was in an active marital relationship with Priscilla, also known as Odo Broni, at the time of his death.
Subsequently, in another interview, the Abusua Panin altered his position, stating that Daddy Lumba was married to more than one woman, describing the situation as “fortunately or unfortunately so.”
This contradiction alone sparked confusion and division within the family and among the public, particularly shortly after the one-week observance held in Accra.
The inconsistencies did not end there. During the final funeral rites at Heroes Park, Kumasi, where Daddy Lumba lay in state, the face of the deceased was covered with white lace, preventing the public from clearly viewing him.
While covering the funeral as a journalist for GHOne TV, I personally filed past the body, but could not see the face of the deceased, who lay in a casket guarded by police personnel.
However, when Mr. Osei Kwame Despite, a former music producer who worked closely with Daddy Lumba, came to file past, the lace was removed by Daddy Lumba’s sister, allowing him and a few others to see the face. This selective action raised public curiosity and concern.
In a live interview with UTV, Mr. Kofi Owusu explained that Daddy Lumba’s lawyers had informed him that the musician left instructions in his will that his face should remain covered while lying in state.
Yet, in a later interview on Adom FM, the same Abusua Panin denied ever stating that Daddy Lumba left a will, following legal proceedings initiated by the first wife, Madam Akosua Serwaa, who filed at the High Court for her half share of her husband’s properties.
The court, according to available records, stated that Daddy Lumba died intestate, as no will was found after an official search.
This contradiction raises a fundamental question, which will was the Abusua Panin referring to when he told the nation that Daddy Lumba had instructed that his face be covered?
Beyond the family and legal implications, these public inconsistencies take on greater significance considering that Mr. Kofi Owusu is a senior member and Elder of the Church of Pentecost.
Such conflicting public communications do not only affect the family but also risk embarrassing the church and undermining public trust in moral and spiritual leadership.
Firm leadership is admirable, but truthfulness and consistency are non-negotiable. In an era where the internet never forgets, public statements remain permanently accessible, subject to scrutiny, comparison, and accountability.
This situation underscores a critical lesson, leaders must be vigilant and deliberate with every public statement they make. Words spoken in haste can outlive intentions and expose contradictions that damage credibility.
Abusua Panin Kofi Owusu’s case serves as a reminder that the mouth must not run faster than the mind, and leadership, whether traditional, familial, or religious, must be exercised with wisdom, restraint, and integrity. Truth, as always, will eventually shine through the darkness.
Written By Isaac Justice Bediako (Broadcast Journalist, EIB-Network).
