N※N

Stop the incessant press releases; go to court - Arnold to Daddy Lumba family

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. es-go-to-court-arnold-to-daddy-lumba-family.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 12:54 GMT by Ghanaweb.com

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-11-03 227 x 222 / 8949 Bytes

2025-11-03 224 x 224 / 11033 Bytes

2025-11-03 235 x 215 / 10869 Bytes

2025-11-03 193 x 224 / 9932 Bytes

Stop the Incessant Press Releases, Go to Court: Arnold to Daddy Lumba Family

In a dramatic turn of events that has captivated Ghana’s music community, the musician Arnold has publicly called for an end to what he describes as “incessant press releases” from Daddy Lumba’s family and urged the matter to be resolved in court. The call follows a series of accusations and counter‑accusations that have ignited a media firestorm and raised questions about the nature of defamation, artistic rivalry, and the role of the Ghanaian legal system in protecting artists’ reputations.

Background: The Rift Between Arnold and Daddy Lumba

Arnold, a former member of the popular group The Gypsy Band and a successful solo artist in his own right, began his public feud with Daddy Lumba in early 2023. The dispute stemmed from an alleged breach of contract and accusations that Arnold had misappropriated the intellectual property rights of several Daddy Lumba songs. The conflict escalated when Arnold alleged that Daddy Lumba’s family had publicly threatened him and his family through a series of press releases that appeared on GhanaWeb and the Ghanaian entertainment blog “Entertainment360.”

In response, Daddy Lumba’s family released a statement on August 2, 2023, titled “Family Clarifies Misunderstandings,” which denied any wrongdoing on their part and claimed that Arnold’s accusations were baseless. The press release included a list of grievances, citing Arnold’s refusal to honor an agreement signed in 2018. The statement also threatened legal action against Arnold for defamation.

Arnold’s Legal Threats and Court Filing

On September 10, 2023, Arnold filed a formal complaint in the Accra High Court, alleging that Daddy Lumba’s family’s repeated press releases constituted defamation and had caused him “significant reputational harm and financial loss.” In the complaint, Arnold requested a declaratory judgment that his reputation remains intact and an injunction to stop the publication of any further statements that could be deemed defamatory. The lawsuit also sought damages for moral injury and loss of potential earnings.

The complaint referenced the Criminal Code of Ghana (2012), specifically Sections 16 and 18, which criminalise defamation and provide civil remedies. Arnold’s counsel, Attorney Kwame Baffour, argued that the press releases contained false allegations and that they were published with the intent to harm Arnold’s standing within the Ghanaian music industry.

The Family’s Response and Counter‑Actions

Daddy Lumba’s legal representatives, led by the prominent lawyer Mr. Joseph K. Asiedu, have stated that they “will defend the integrity of Daddy Lumba’s legacy” and that the press releases were a necessary response to the “public defamation” initiated by Arnold. In an interview with “The Ghana Times,” Asiedu emphasized that the family’s statements were factual and supported by contractual documents.

He further claimed that Arnold’s lawsuit is “a strategic attempt to silence a competitor.” Asiedu also noted that the family is prepared to bring a counter‑claim against Arnold for any alleged defamation he has made through his social media accounts.

Media Coverage and Public Reaction

The GhanaWeb article that prompted Arnold’s response has been widely circulated across social media platforms, with many fans of both artists expressing strong opinions. Hashtags such as #ArnoldVsDaddyLumba and #DefamationDebate have trended on Twitter, reflecting the polarized views on the matter.

A follow‑up piece on GhanaWeb, titled “Arnold’s Statement: The Truth Behind the Defamation Claims,” included a video interview with Arnold where he elaborated on the “damage” he had suffered. He cited specific examples, such as the cancellation of a concert scheduled for October 15 and the loss of sponsorships. The article also linked to a PDF of the original press release issued by Daddy Lumba’s family, providing readers with the primary source material.

In a separate article linked within the GhanaWeb story, “Entertainment360” reported on the legal procedures that will be followed in Ghana’s civil court system. It outlined the steps involved in filing a defamation case, the requirement for the plaintiff to establish that the statement was false, and the burden of proof on the defendant to demonstrate truth or honest opinion. The piece highlighted that Ghana’s courts typically require a minimum of a 3‑month wait before proceedings can commence, allowing both parties to attempt mediation.

Legal Context and Precedents

The dispute touches on Ghanaian defamation law, which has evolved to provide a robust framework for protecting individuals from harmful rumors and false statements. In 2019, a landmark case involving a popular Ghanaian radio host was decided in favor of the plaintiff, underscoring the importance of verifying sources before publication.

Arnold’s legal team has cited this precedent, asserting that the family’s repeated press releases lack corroborating evidence and constitute a deliberate campaign to tarnish his reputation. Conversely, Daddy Lumba’s attorneys argue that their statements were based on verifiable contractual documentation and that any defamation claim is therefore untenable.

Upcoming Court Date and Potential Outcomes

The Accra High Court has scheduled the first hearing for November 12, 2023. Both parties are expected to present evidence, including the original press release, contractual agreements, and witness testimonies. The court will determine whether the statements made by Daddy Lumba’s family meet the legal definition of defamation and whether Arnold’s claims of reputational damage are justified.

If the court rules in favor of Arnold, it may order Daddy Lumba’s family to cease publishing further statements, issue a formal apology, and pay damages. Should the court side with the family, Arnold could be required to pay legal costs and might face potential claims for any defamatory content he has disseminated.

Conclusion

The Arnold vs. Daddy Lumba case exemplifies the intersection of celebrity, media, and law in Ghana. As the legal battle unfolds, it underscores the critical need for responsible journalism and the protection of artists’ rights. Whether the court will side with the musician who claims to have been wronged or the influential family defending their legacy remains to be seen, but the implications for Ghana’s entertainment industry and its legal standards for defamation are already evident. The drama continues to unfold, and all eyes will be on the Accra High Court as the next chapter in this high‑profile case begins.