Meet Justice Dorinda Smith Arthur, the trailblazer behind a groundbreaking case that has Ghana talking. Her swift and fair handling of the Daddy Lumba spousal dispute has earned her praise and admiration. But here's where it gets intriguing: this is not just about a celebrity case, it's a testament to Justice Arthur's unwavering commitment to integrity and justice.
In a letter dated October 25, 2024, Justice Emeritus David Maraga, Kenya's 14th Chief Justice, praised Justice Arthur's character, competence, and dedication. He spoke of her integrity, excellence, and service, words that would soon ring true in the landmark case she adjudicated.
Justice Arthur's journey to the High Court began in July 2013, first as a District Court Magistrate, then as a Circuit Court Judge in 2019. Her legal expertise spans specialized gender-based cases, narcotics, and mining, among other civil and criminal matters. She was sworn in as a High Court Justice in September 2024, and her impact has been immediate.
In a remarkable feat, Justice Arthur resolved a case that typically would have dragged on for years in a mere month. Her judgment aimed not only to settle the dispute but also to educate Ghanaians on marriage and its complexities. Akosua Serwaa Fosuh, the late Charles Kwadwo Fosuh's (aka Daddy Lumba) alleged wife, sought recognition as his sole surviving spouse and the right to perform widowhood rites. The case, which followed the musician's death in July 2025, pitted her against Priscilla Ofori (Odo Broni), who also claimed to be Fosuh's wife.
Justice Arthur's handling of the case was exemplary. She navigated the tensions and arguments with fairness and efficiency, earning applause in open court. Her jovial demeanor belies a firm commitment to the rules. She is a certified marriage counselor and life coach, and her legal education spans Ghana, the US, and Zambia. With multiple Master's degrees and a recent PhD in Criminology and Human Rights, Justice Arthur is a force to be reckoned with.
As the first female High Court Judge of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Justice Arthur is a member of several professional bodies. Affectionately known as "DD," she is renowned for her impeccable character and resistance to influence. Her former colleague describes her devotion to her work, even at the expense of her own well-being. "She is a woman with impeccable character," he says.
Justice Arthur's approach to her role is one of reserved dedication. "As a judge, I owe a duty to the state to do justice to all," she says. "My life as a judge is more reserved because I am ethically encouraged not to socialize much." She refuses gifts and maintains a strict separation between her personal and professional lives.
Her uprightness is praised by many, including Samuel Koranteng-Pipim, President of the Ananse Centre for Leadership and Development, who describes her as a woman of character. Alberta Kpeleku, a Peace and Conflict expert, admires Justice Arthur's ability to make complex situations seem normal. "She is disciplined and a good mother," Kpeleku says.
Justice Arthur is also an author, having written extensively on integrity. Her books include "The Pursuit of Integrity and Excellence" and "The Kiss of Integrity—My God and My Judicial Philosophy." She has also contributed to international journals on topics such as juvenile justice and the devastating effects of illegal small-scale mining.
Justice Arthur's belief in hard work and perseverance is evident in her 74-page judgment on the Lumba case, written in just three days following ten days of daily hearings. She sees her role as educating Ghanaians on the laws of the land and resolving disputes. "We need to discipline our ways," she says. "Don't place sentiments on things you don't know."
The impact of Justice Arthur's work extends beyond the courtroom. Her judgment in the Daddy Lumba case has not only resolved a high-profile dispute but has also set a precedent for fairness and efficiency in the Ghanaian judicial system. Her story is one of dedication, integrity, and a commitment to making a difference. It's a reminder that justice can be swift and that the law, like Justice Arthur, does not wait for perfect conditions.
