In recent times, Ghana’s entertainment industry has witnessed a number of legal battles involving high-profile musicians, actors, media personalities and corporate institutions.
These lawsuits, ranging from defamation to contractual disputes, have sparked massive public debates and highlighted the increasing use of the courts to resolve conflicts within the industry.
Below are some notable cases that have drawn attention.
Empress Gifty vs Agradaa
Gospel musician Empress Gifty and evangelist Nana Agradaa were embroiled in a legal tussle following heated public exchanges and allegations made against each other.
The dispute, which played out prominently on social media from 2025 through to January 2026, eventually escalated into court proceedings and both parties sought legal redress over claims deemed damaging to their reputations.
The matter was later settled after the court ruled in favour of Empress Gifty. As part of the ruling, Nana Agradaa was ordered to pay GH¢100,000 in compensation to Empress Gifty.
Akosua Serwaa vs Odo Broni/Head of Fosuh family
Akosua Serwaa, the wife of the late highlife legend Daddy Lumba, initiated legal action against Kofi Owusu Fosu, the head of the Fosu family, and Priscilla Ofori, popularly known as Odo Broni.
According to a court document dated October 2, 2025, and sighted by GhanaWeb on October 9, 2025, Akosua Serwaa Fosu filed a writ of summons seeking several declarations, including recognition as the only surviving spouse of the late musician and the sole individual entitled to perform his widowhood rites.
She stated that the family head, Kofi Owusu Fosu, told her she would not be allowed to perform the widowhood rites, a role traditionally reserved for the legal spouse.
The writ also alleged that following Daddy Lumba’s death, Odo Broni surfaced, claiming to be married to the late singer and to have had children with him.
Eventually in December 2025, the Kumasi High Court ruled that both Akosua Serwaa Fosuh and Odo Broni can perform funeral rites.
Daddy Lumba’s maternal family vs Cal Bank Ghana/Transitions Funeral Home/Head of Fosuh Family
Sometime in December 2025, immediate maternal family members of the late highlife icon filed a suit at the High Court in Accra to prevent Daddy Lumba’s mortal remains from being released for the funeral.
The case was against one Kofi Owusu, Abuakwa of Kumasi (Head of Fosuh Family), the 1st defendant; CAL Bank Ghana, the 2nd defendant; and Transitions Funeral Home in Accra, the 3rd defendant.
The plaintiffs sought the court to order the third defendant, Transitions Funeral Home, to withhold the body of Daddy Lumba from any person or group unless approved by them.
They also asked the court to restrain Kofi Owusu Abuakwa and members of the funeral committee that have been supposedly dissolved from the Daddy Lumba Memorial Foundation account held at CAL Bank.
They asked the court to prevent CAL Bank from honouring any cheques presented by the first defendant or under his authority in relation to the foundation’s funeral account.
The court initially blocked the release of Lumba’s body but later granted its release for burial.
Akosua Serwaa files letters of administration over Lumba’s estate; Odo Broni’s team ‘fights’ back
Akosua Serwaa appeared before the Kumasi High Court on January 14, 2026, exactly one month after her late husband, Daddy Lumba, was laid to rest, and filed for letters of administration to manage and distribute the singer’s properties.
However, in response, the musician’s other partner, Odo Broni, together with her legal team, filed a caveat to challenge Akosua Serwaa’s application.
Odo Broni’s legal team argued that Akosua Serwaa cannot consider herself the sole surviving spouse of the late Daddy Lumba and, therefore, lacks the capacity to independently apply for letters of administration.
Blakk Rasta responds to Shatta Wale‘s GH¢100 million lawsuit
Yaw Dabo vs Oboy Siki
On January 20, 2026, Actor and football administrator Yaw Dabo sued his colleague, Oboy Siki, for defamation of character following comments he made in an interview after a football match in Yaw Dabo’s hometown.
Oboy Siki allegedly made remarks about Yaw Dabo’s manhood and personal life, which Yaw Dabo described as insulting and damaging, prompting him to take the matter to court.
Dancehall artiste Shatta Wale, and broadcaster cum musician Blakk Rasta, have also found themselves in a legal dispute.
The issue came up after Blakk Rasta made serious allegations against Shatta Wale in a video that circulated widely on social media in August 2025.
His comments, which referenced fraud and alleged criminal associations, reportedly prompted Shatta Wale to initiate legal action on January 20, 2026, citing their defamatory nature.
Kwasi Aboagye vs Afia Schwarzenegger and Shatta Wale
Entertainment pundit Kwasi Aboagye filed a lawsuit against media personality Afia Schwarzenegger and dancehall artiste Shatta Wale over alleged defamatory statements made against him.
The case, which started in 2024, became a major talking point due to the involvement of multiple outspoken public figures known for controversial commentary.
Fast forward to January 2026, an injunction application was granted by the High Court in Accra restraining Afia Schwarzenegger and Shatta Wale from making further defamatory publications against Kwasi Aboagye.
This followed the defendants’ refusal to retract or apologise despite a formal demand, and instead daring the Peace FM entertainment show host to proceed to court.
After regular service attempts failed, the court authorised substituted service in October 2024, which was carried out. The defendants still did not respond or file a defence.
Shatta Wale vs EOCO/FBI
Shatta Wale was detained by Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in August 2025 in connection with a Lamborghini suspected of being linked to fraud proceeds, leading to investigations into money laundering, tax evasion, and the vehicle’s origin.
He was later released on bail after fulfilling conditions, including a bond and reporting requirements.
Shatta’s detention stemmed from a U.S. request following an investigation into a Ghanaian national involved in defrauding U.S. non-profits, with Shatta Wale questioned about the legitimacy of the luxury car.
FG/EB
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