The biological father of the child Madonna wishes to adopt from Malawi has said he thinks the singer is unfit to be a mother to his child.

Madonna first expressed an interest in adopting four year old Mercy James after meeting her when she adopted three year old son David in late 2006 but at the start of the month, Madonna’s request to adopt the little girl was turned down by a court on the grounds that she did not meet the country’s residency requirements for adoption. She is now appealing the ruling and James Kambewa has written a letter to the court saying he hopes they stick by their original decision.

In the letter obtained by the Daily Mail, James explains: “I have learnt that an American-musician called Madonna has applied to a court for the adoption of the kid, to which the grandmother has consented.

“However, I do not consent to the adoption because I feel I am capable of raising the child.”

Kambewa met Mercy’s mother Mwandida Maunde when she was 15 but denied responsibility and disappeared after Mwandida became pregnant. She later died in childbirth.

Kambewa went on: “I regret I haven’t been around for Mercy for the past three years. She shouldn’t have been at the orphanage if I was around.

“I regret my childishness. I hope the appeal fails so that I assume my rightful role as Mercy’s dad.”

He is also quoted as telling the newspaper: “She is my daughter; she is my blood; she needs parental love. She is not an orphan. She lost one parent, yes, but I am still alive and so she is not an orphan.

“Madonna has millions of dollars but that doesn’t make her a good mum. Parental love is more than money.

“Besides, I don’t think Madonna is a model mum. I have seen her in movies of her songs. She doesn’t portray good morals.

“How can a woman dance almost naked on stage? I wouldn’t want my daughter to grow up like that! In Malawi women respect themselves. Cultured women do not go about half-naked. … Spare my Mercy that scandal.”

Mercy’s maternal family were also initially said to object to the adoption but have now given their consent and have disputed Kambewa’s paternity.