Ghana: ritual murder in the Volta Region, six arrested

Posted on July 14, 2025 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

The victim is a 25-year-old mason, Nelson Anyena, who has been killed in what investigators describe as a ritual murder in Mafi Adidome, Central Tongu District. During an exhumation exercise at a fetish priest’s shrine on July 7, 2025, investigators reportedly discovered two additional unidentified bodies buried at the same location. However, according to other (non-confirmed) reports, police discovered three additional skeletons buried under other idols, as well as scattered body parts in nearby bushes.

In all, six suspects including the fetish priest were arrested.

The horrifying murder case has been widely covered in the media.

Ghana’s Volta Region had a bad reputation where it comes to ritualistic activities including murder. See my previous postings dated April 2, 2024 (Seven arrested for abducting and killing a 12-year boy , a 2021 article), February 13, 2024 (Fetish priest, 2 others nabbed over murder), May 15, 2020 (Two fetish priests engage in ritual killing practices), September 10, 2019 (Alleged killer of an 8-year-old girl arrested) and August 12, 2019 (Simon Kope ritual murder case takes new twist).

Ghana’s Volta Region is one of the country’s sixteen administrative regions. Its capital is the city of Ho. It is located between Lake Volta in the west and the Republic of Togo in the east.
(FVDK)

Warning: The following articles contain graphic details which may upset readers (FVDK)

Lady lures man with romantic encounter only to kill him for rituals

Published: July 14, 2025
By: Armani Brooklyn – GhPage, Ghana

The Volta Regional Police Command has arrested six individuals linked to the murder of 25-year-old mason, Nelson Anyena, in what police describe as a suspected ritual killing.

The incident occurred in December 2024 after Anyena, who had moved from Wusuta to Mafi-Adidome to join his wife, was lured into a trap by Augustina Fiawoyife under the pretence of a romantic meeting.

He was later strangled by two men identified as Wisdom Hedidor and Courage Bedzo.

His body was allegedly sold to a fetish priest for GH¢7,000.

The suspects arrested include:

Augustina Fiawoyife

Wisdom Hedidor

Courage Bedzo

Noah Gblor (fetish priest)

Yohannes Gblor (security guard)

John Gblor (lotto writer)

The breakthrough came following police investigations, leading to the exhumation of Anyena’s body at Noah Gblor’s shrine on July 7, 2025. Two other unidentified bodies were also found at the site.

All six suspects are currently in police custody and have been remanded. They are expected to reappear in court on August 8, 2025.

Police have transported the recovered bodies to the Police Hospital Mortuary in Accra for autopsy and DNA analysis. Authorities say more arrests may follow as the investigation deepens.

The Volta Regional Police Command has assured the public, especially the bereaved family and residents of Adidome, that justice will be served.

Source: Lady lures man with romantic encounter only to kill him for rituals

Man lured by woman, 21, for romantic encounter and killed for ritual

Published: July 13, 2025
By: Peace FM Online – Ghana

The Volta Regional Police Command has arrested six individuals in connection with the gruesome murder of Nelson Anyena, a 25-year-old mason. The arrests took place in Blorkorfe and Awakpedome, both suburbs of Adidome in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region.

Police investigations revealed that the victim, who had moved from Wusuta to Mafi-Adidome in December 2024 to join his wife, was lured into a deadly trap involving a female accomplice and a fetish priest.

According to a police statement, the suspects include Augustina Fiawoyife, believed to have enticed the victim under the guise of a romantic encounter, as well as Wisdom Hedidor and Courage Bedzo, who allegedly carried out the killing.

The police have also identified the spiritual leader involved as Noah Gblor, a fetish priest, along with Yohannes Gblor, a security guard, and John Gblor, a lotto writer.

Preliminary findings indicate that on 4 December 2024, Fiawoyife lured Anyena to a remote location through a phone call. Once there, Hedidor and Bedzo reportedly strangled him and handed his body over to the fetish priest in exchange for GH¢7,000.

The crime came to light following detailed police investigations and the subsequent arrest of the suspects.

During an exhumation exercise at Noah Gblor’s shrine on 7 July 2025, investigators discovered two additional unidentified bodies buried at the same location.

Police confirmed the recovery of the bodies, which have been transported to the Police Hospital Mortuary in Accra for autopsy and DNA analysis.

All six suspects are currently in police custody and have been remanded. They are scheduled to reappear in court on 8 August 2025 as investigations continue. Authorities say further arrests are possible as they work to uncover the full extent of the criminal network behind the murder.

The Volta Regional Police Command praised the cooperation of the local community and appealed for calm among residents and the family of the deceased. The police assured the public that justice would be pursued rigorously in this alarming case.

Source: Man Lured By Woman, 21, For Romantic Encounter And Killed For Ritual

Six arrested over alleged ritual murder at Mafi Adidome

Published: July 10, 2025
By: Joy Online – source: Albert Kuzor

The Volta Regional Police Command has arrested six individuals in connection with a suspected ritual killing of a 25-year-old mason, Nelson Anyena, at Mafi Adidome in the Central Tongu District of the Volta region.

According to a statement signed by Chief Inspector Francis Kwaku Gomado, Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Volta Regional Police Command, the deceased had relocated from his hometown, Wusuta in the South Dayi District, to live with his wife at Mafi Adidome in December 2024.

Following weeks of covert investigations and collaboration with local residents, the police apprehended the first three suspects on 26th June 2025.

They include 21-year-old Augustina Fiawoyife, an unemployed woman; 31-year-old herbalist Wisdom Hedidor; and Courage Bedzo, also known as Dzidefo, a 31-year-old Kente weaver.

Further investigations led to the arrest of three additional suspects: Gblor Noah, also known as Ekpedzi, a 42-year-old fetish priest; his brother Yohannes Gblor, aged 27 and employed as a security guard; and John Gblor, aged 40, a lotto writer.

The three were arrested at Mafi Awakpedome.

Preliminary findings indicate that on 4th December 2024, Augustina, acting on instructions from her boyfriend, Wisdom Hedidor, lured Nelson Anyena to a secluded location under the pretext of a romantic meeting.

There, Hedidor and Courage Bedzo allegedly ambushed and strangled him (the deceased).

Investigators believe the suspects carried out the killing on behalf of fetish priest Gblor Noah, who had earlier approached them requesting a human body for ritual purposes in exchange for a fee.

After the act, Noah and his brothers allegedly paid GH¢7,000 to the two attackers and transported the body to a shrine at Blorkope.

On 3rd July 2025, police secured an exhumation order from the Ho Magistrate Court and, on 7 July, retrieved the victim’s body from beneath Noah Gblor’s shrine.

The exercise, led by Volta Regional Crime Officer Superintendent Mr Omari Mic Boakye and supported by Environmental Health Officers from the Ho Municipality, also uncovered two additional unidentified bodies buried at the site.

The remains have been transferred to the Police Hospital Mortuary in Accra for preservation, autopsy, and DNA profiling.

All six suspects are currently in police and prison custody and are expected to appear in court on 8th August 2025.

The Volta Regional Police Command has expressed appreciation for the public’s cooperation and has called on the family and community members to remain calm as investigations proceed.

Source: Six arrested over alleged ritual murder at Mafi Adidome

Ritual murder: Six arrested over death of 25-year-old mason

Published: July 10, 2025
By: Caroaryee – MyNewsGh.com

A 25-year-old mason, Nelson Anyena, has been killed in what investigators describe as a ritual murder in Mafi Adidome, Central Tongu District.

His body was found buried beneath a shrine after weeks of investigation.

Nelson, who had recently moved from Wusuta to live with his wife in Mafi Adidome, was reportedly lured by a young woman, Augustina Fiawoyife, under the pretext of a private meeting.

According to police findings, she acted on instructions from her boyfriend, Wisdom Hedidor, a herbalist.

Together with Courage Bedzo, a kente weaver, they allegedly ambushed Nelson and strangled him to death.

Investigations revealed that the act was carried out for a fetish priest, Gblor Noah, who had promised payment in return for a human body to use for rituals.

After the killing, the priest and his brothers allegedly paid GH¢7,000 and moved the body to a shrine located at Blorkope.

Three suspects—Fiawoyife, Hedidor, and Bedzo—were arrested on June 26, 2025.

This led to further arrests: 42-year-old fetish priest Noah Gblor, his 27-year-old brother Yohannes Gblor, and 40-year-old John Gblor, a lotto writer.

On July 3, the police secured a court order to exhume the body.

During the operation on July 4, not only was Nelson’s body recovered, but two additional unidentified bodies were also discovered buried at the same location.

All the remains have been transferred to the Police Hospital in Accra for autopsy and DNA analysis.

The suspects remain in custody and are expected to reappear in court on August 8, 2025. The police have called for public calm as investigations continue.

Source: Ritual murder: Six arrested over death of 25-year-old mason

Authorities condemn shrine killings in Central Tongu, vows swift justice

Published: July 10, 2025
By: Joy Online, From: GNA

The Central Tongu MP, Alexander Roosevelt Hotordze, and Dodzi Addison Mornyuie, the District Chief Executive, have condemned the discovery of human remains at a shrine in Mafi Gblorkope.

They described the incident as a “barbaric and inhumane act” that has shaken the conscience of the entire enclave.

They made the remarks during a visit to the crime scene on Tuesday, July 8, following a police-led operation that triggered the exhumation of multiple human remains, including the skeletal body of a 28-year-old Nelson Anyana believed to have been murdered for ritual purposes.

Mr Hotordze disclosed to the Ghana News Agency that such acts had no place in the society, and assured the people of Central Tongu that his office in collaboration with the district assembly would not rest until every person involved in the heinous crime was identified, apprehended, and made to face the full rigours of the law.

“This is a horrifying and deeply troubling development,” he added.

He emphasised that justice must be delivered swiftly, not only to honour the memory of the victims but also to restore a sense of security among residents.

“I have tasked the security services to deepen their investigations and act decisively. This is not just about one life lost; it is about safeguarding the moral fabric and peace of our community,” he said.

The MP urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel, noting that the ongoing investigations were being treated with the utmost seriousness.

Mr. Addison Dodzi Mornyuie also condemned the incident, describing it as “a stain on the conscience of the district” and a clear affront to human dignity and the rule of law.

He called on traditional leaders and local residents to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious activities, stressing that such heinous acts often thrived in silence and secrecy.

“We must build a community where no one is afraid to speak up and where evil is not allowed to hide under cultural or religious cover,” the DCE stated.

Mr. Mornyuie further assured the public of the Assembly’s full collaboration with the security agencies to bring all perpetrators to justice.

He reiterated that no one would be spared, regardless of social status or influence, and that the Assembly would intensify its community engagement and sensitisation efforts to prevent a recurrence.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service and the National Intelligence Bureau had confirmed to the GNA that three other suspects were in custody.

They said forensic investigations were underway to identify the additional remains and determine the full scale of the crimes committed.

Authorities have encouraged members of the public to volunteer any relevant information that may assist in the ongoing probe.

Source: Authorities condemn shrine killings in Central Tongu, vows swift justice

Six Nabbed Over Ritual Murder, Serial Killings

**The suspects. INSET: One of the suspects with human bones**

Published: July 10, 2025
By: Daniel K. Orlando, Ho – Daily Guide Network

A suspected ritual killing syndicate has been busted by the Ghana Police Service following the discovery of several human remains at a shrine in Gblorkope, Central Tongu District in the Volta Region.

The breakthrough came after months of investigations triggered by a missing person’s report filed on December 17, 2024, by Madam Comfort Hatse, a trader from Donkorkrom in the Eastern Region.

She reported that her son, Nelson Anyana, 28, had left home on December 4, 2024, to meet one Augustina Fiawoyife at Mafi-Adidome and never returned.

Detectives later uncovered a gruesome conspiracy involving Fiawoyife, who was romantically involved with a herbalist, Wisdom Hedidor. The police say Hedidor, consumed by jealousy over Fiawoyife’s continued contact with Nelson, allegedly plotted to murder him for ritual purposes.

Investigations revealed that a local fetish priest, Gblor Noah, popularly known as Ekpedzi, had earlier requested a human body for ritual rites, promising a GH¢7,000 payment. Courage Bedzo, a kente weaver, reportedly relayed this request to Hedidor, who agreed to carry out the act.

On December 12, 2024, Fiawoyife allegedly lured Nelson to a secluded location near the DC Bungalow area in Adidome. While engaging him in conversation, Hedidor and Bedzo emerged and strangled him to death. Fiawoyife reportedly watched the killing without raising any alarm.

The body was subsequently sold to the fetish priest, who was accompanied by his brother, Gblor Yohannes, a lotto writer. The remains were transported to the Gblorkope shrine and buried beneath an idol after performing rituals.

Upon arrest and interrogation, the suspects led investigators to the shrine where Nelson’s remains were exhumed. Police also discovered three additional skeletons buried under other idols, as well as scattered body parts in nearby bushes, raising suspicions of serial killings.

Six suspects have since been arrested. They include Augustina Fiawoyife, unemployed, Wisdom Hedidor, herbalist, Courage Bedzo, kente weaver, Gblor Noah alias Ekpedzi, fetish priest, Gblor John, security guard, and Gblor Yohannes, lotto writer.

All six are residents of Mafi-Adidome and reportedly related to the operators of the shrine.

The suspects were arraigned before the Ho District Court 1 on July 2, 2025, presided over by His Worship Albert Annor Owusu. Prosecutor, Detective Sergeant Kwadwo Otibu-Gyan, informed the court that investigations are still underway, particularly efforts to identify and exhume all remains linked to the case.

The court did not take the suspects’ pleas and remanded them into prison custody to reappear on August 6, 2025.

The disturbing revelations have sent shockwaves through the Volta Region, with residents demanding swift justice and a clampdown on ritual activities in the area.

The Ghana Police Service has assured the public of its resolve to fully pursue the case and bring all perpetrators to book. Authorities are also appealing to the public for information that could aid ongoing investigations.

Forensic experts are currently working to identify the additional victims, as police probe the possibility of more bodies linked to the shrine.

Source: Six Nabbed Over Ritual Murder, Serial Killings

Six nabbed over alleged ritual murder at Mafi Adidome

Published: July 10, 2025
By: Adom Online

The Volta Regional Police Command has arrested six individuals in connection with the suspected ritual killing of a 25-year-old mason, Nelson Anyena, at Mafi Adidome in the Central Tongu District.

According to police, three suspects were initially arrested on June 26, 2025, following weeks of covert investigations and collaboration with residents.

The suspects are 21-year-old unemployed woman Augustina Fiawoyife; 31-year-old herbalist Wisdom Hedidor; and 31-year-old Kente weaver Courage Bedzo, also known as Dzidefo.

Further investigations led to the arrest of three additional suspects:
– Gblor Noah, also known as Ekpedzi, a 42-year-old fetish priest
– Yohannes Gblor, a 27-year-old security guard and brother of Noah
– John Gblor, a 40-year-old lotto writer at Mafi Awakpedome.

A statement signed by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Regional Command, Chief Inspector Francis Kwaku Gomado, revealed that the deceased relocated from Wusuta in the South Dayi District to live with his wife at Mafi Adidome in December 2024.

On December 4, 2024, Augustina, acting on instructions from her boyfriend, Wisdom Hedidor, allegedly lured Nelson Anyena to a secluded location under the pretext of a romantic meeting.

There, Hedidor and Courage Bedzo reportedly ambushed and strangled him to death—an act police investigators believe was carried out on behalf of fetish priest Gblor Noah, who had earlier requested a human body for ritual purposes in exchange for a fee.

After the killing, Noah and his brothers allegedly paid GH¢7,000 to the attackers and transported Nelson’s body to a shrine at Blorkope.

On July 3, 2025, police secured an order from the Ho Magistrate Court and, the following day, exhumed Nelson’s body from beneath Noah Gblor’s shrine.

The exercise, led by Volta Regional Crime Officer Superintendent Omari Mic Boakye and supported by Environmental Health Officers from the Ho Municipality, also uncovered two additional unidentified bodies buried at the site.

All the remains have been transferred to the Police Hospital Mortuary in Accra for preservation, autopsy, and DNA profiling.

The suspects are currently in police and prison custody and are expected to reappear in court on August 8, 2025.

Meanwhile, the Volta Regional Police Command has expressed appreciation for the public’s cooperation and has called on the family and community members to remain calm as investigations continue.

Source: Six nabbed over alleged ritual murder at Mafi Adidome

Six arrested over ritual killing of 23-year-old in Mafi-Adidome; body exhumed by police

Published: July 9, 2025
By: Abigail Teye – Asaseeradio Ghana

The deceased, a resident of Mafi-Adidome, was reported missing on 17 December 2024 by his mother, Madam Comfort Hates, after he left home on 4 December to meet a woman identified as Augustina Fiawoyife but never returned.

Six individuals have been arrested in connection with the brutal killing of 23-year-old Nelson Anyana at Mafi-Adidome in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region, in what police describe as a premeditated ritual murder.

The deceased, a resident of Mafi-Adidome, was reported missing on 17 December 2024 by his mother, Comfort Hates, after he left home on 4 December to meet a woman identified as Augustina Fiawoyife but never returned.

Police investigations revealed that Fiawoyife lured Nelson to a secluded area under the pretext of a meeting. She was allegedly acting on instructions from her boyfriend, an herbalist named Wisdom Hedidor, who suspected frequent phone calls between Nelson and Fiawoyife.

Further details uncovered a chilling plot involving a fetish priest, Gblor Noah, who had approached a kente weaver, Courage Bedzo, requesting a human body for ritual purposes in exchange for a reward. Bedzo reportedly relayed the request to Hedidor, who then targeted Nelson as the victim.

On 4 December 2024, Fiawoyife led Nelson to a bushy area near the DC Bungalow at Mafi-Adidome, where Hedidor and Bedzo were hiding. As Nelson engaged in conversation with Fiawoyife, the two men emerged and strangled him.

After the killing, the group contacted Gblor Noah, who arrived at the scene with another accomplice, Gblor John, a lotto writer. The body was transported to Gblorkope in Central Tongu, where ritual rites were allegedly performed. The remaining body parts were then buried in a nearby bush.

The suspects—Fiawoyife, Hedidor, Bedzo, Gblor Noah, and Gblor John—were subsequently arrested. Police say the body was allegedly sold for GHC 7,000 for the ritual.

On 2 July 2025, the case was called at the Ho District Court 1, presided over by His Worship Albert Annor Owusu. All suspects appeared without legal representation. Prosecuting, Detective Sergeant Kwadwo Otibu-Gyan told the court investigations were ongoing, especially efforts to locate and exhume the remaining body parts.

The exhumation was carried out on 7 July 2025, with re-interment expected.

The suspects’ pleas were not taken, and they were remanded into prison custody to reappear on 6 August 2025.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the Central Tongu District, with residents calling for swift justice and stronger action against ritual-related crimes. Police investigations are ongoing.

Reporting by Solomon Mensah-Ahiable for Asaase News in the Volta Region

Source: Six arrested over ritual killing of 23-year-old in Mafi-Adidome; body exhumed by police

Volta Region:
Police exhume several dead bodies from shrine, arrest 6 in suspected ritual killing

Volta Region: Police exhume human remains from shrine, arrest 6 in suspected ritual murder case

Published: July 9, 2025
By: Christopher Sededzi Kwame – Pulse, Ghana

The Homicide Unit of the Ghana Police Service has made a major breakthrough in a suspected ritual murder case involving the disappearance of 28-year-old Nelson Anyana.

An intensive investigation led to the discovery and exhumation of multiple human remains buried within a shrine at Gblorkope, located in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region.

This operation follows a report filed by Comfort Hatse, the mother of the deceased, who informed police that her son had gone missing on December 4, 2024, after leaving home to meet a woman named Augustina Fiawoyife. He was officially declared missing on December 17.

Working with three key suspects, homicide detectives from the Volta Regional Police Command searched a property believed to be used for ritualistic practices.

The team exhumed Nelson Anyana’s body, buried beneath idols at the Gblorkope shrine, confirming suspicions of ritual murder.

The police further uncovered three additional human skeletal remains buried under separate idols at the same location.

Additional human body parts, believed to belong to other victims, were also discovered buried in surrounding bushes, raising fears that the site may have been a hub for serial ritual killings.

Six individuals have since been arrested and arraigned in connection with the murder.

The suspects include:

Augustina Fiawoyife, unemployed

Wisdom Hedidor, herbalist

Courage Bedzo, kente weaver

Gblor Noah, alias Ekpedzi, 37, fetish priest

Gblor John, 38, security guard

Gblor Johannes, 27, lotto writer

The last three, all brothers, are believed to operate the Gblorkope shrine.

According to the police, the murder was orchestrated by Wisdom Hedidor, who had reportedly grown jealous of the deceased’s relationship with Augustina, his romantic partner.

Investigations reveal that around the same period, fetish priest Gblor Noah allegedly requested a human body for ritual purposes in exchange for payment.

Courage Bedzo is said to have relayed the request to Hedidor, who agreed to carry out the killing.

On December 12, 2024, Augustina lured Nelson Anyana to a quiet area in Adidome, where Hedidor and Bedzo ambushed and strangled him, allegedly in the presence of Augustina.

The body was later purchased by the fetish priest and his associate, Gblor Johannes, for GH¢7,000. It was transported to the shrine at Gblorkope, used in ritual practices, and buried under one of the idols.

Following the operation, all six suspects were arraigned before the Ho District Court. They face charges of abetment of crime, to wit, murder, and conspiracy to commit crime, to wit, murder.

Police say forensic analysis is underway to identify the other human remains recovered and to determine if more suspects should be charged.

The shocking discovery has triggered public outrage and fear among residents of the Central Tongu District, with many demanding swift justice and a broader crackdown on suspected ritual networks in the region.

The Ghana Police Service has assured the public of its commitment to fully investigate the case and bring all perpetrators to justice.

Source: V/R: Police exhume several dead bodies from shrine, arrest 6 in suspected ritual killing

Police exhume multiple human remains in Central Tongu shrine

Published: July 9, 2025
By: Adomon Online, From: GNA

The Homicide Unit of the Ghana Police Service has undertaken an operation that uncovered and exhumed multiple human remains buried in a shrine at Gblorkope in the Central Tongu District.

This follows a suspected ritual murder and the disappearance of 28-year-old Nelson Anyana.

The homicide investigation marked a breakthrough in the alleged murder of Nelson, resulting in the discovery of multiple human bones, some buried beneath idols in the shrine.

Six individuals have been arrested and arraigned in connection with the alleged murder of Nelson, who had earlier been declared missing.

The breakthrough came after police detectives from the Homicide Unit in Ho, accompanied by three key suspects, conducted a search of a property believed to have been used for ritual purposes.

The body of Nelson Anyana, who had been missing since December 2024, was exhumed from the Gblorkope shrine, confirming police suspicions of ritual murder.

During the search, police discovered three additional skeletal remains buried beneath different idols at the same location. Assorted human body parts believed to belong to other victims were also found buried in nearby bushes, intensifying suspicions that the site may have been used for serial ritual killings.

The suspects, all residents of Mafi Adidome, are Augustina Fiawoyife, unemployed; Wisdom Hedidor, an herbalist; and Courage Bedzo, a kente weaver.

The others are Gblor Noah, also known as Ekpedzi, a fetish priest aged 37; Gblor John, a 38-year-old security guard; and Gblor Johannes, a 27-year-old lotto writer. The last three, who are siblings, are reported to be operators of the Gblorkope shrine.

According to police investigations, the case began when Comfort Hatse, a trader from Donkorkrom and mother of the deceased, reported him missing on December 17, 2024.

She stated that the deceased had left home on December 4 to meet the first suspect, Augustina Fiawoyife, and never returned.

It was later discovered that Augustina was in a relationship with the second suspect, Wisdom Hedidor, who had grown jealous over her ongoing relationship with the deceased. He allegedly hatched a plan to kill him, which was executed accordingly.

Around that time, the fourth suspect, Gblor Noah, had reportedly solicited a human body for ritual purposes in exchange for a substantial payment.

The third suspect, Courage Bedzo, relayed this request to Hedidor, who agreed to carry out the murder.

On December 12, 2024, Augustina lured the deceased to a secluded area near DC Bungalow, a suburb of Adidome. While the victim engaged her in conversation, Hedidor and Bedzo ambushed and strangled him to death, with Augustina allegedly witnessing the act without intervening.

The third suspect subsequently contacted the fetish priest, who arrived at the scene with the sixth suspect, Gblor Johannes. They bought the deceased’s body for GH¢7,000 and transported it to the shrine at Gblorkope, where it was used in ritual ceremonies before being buried under idols.

Following the recovery of Nelson Anyana’s remains and those of other unidentified individuals, all six suspects were arraigned before a District Court in Ho. They have been charged with abetment of crime to wit murder and conspiracy to commit crime to wit murder.

Police investigators say further forensic analysis is underway based on the new discoveries to determine the identities of the additional victims and file appropriate charges against the suspects.

The discovery has sparked outrage and fear among residents of the Central Tongu District, with many calling for swift justice and a broader investigation into possible ritualistic networks in the region.

The Ghana Police Service has reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing the case thoroughly and ensuring all perpetrators face the full rigours of the law.

Source: Police exhume multiple human remains in Central Tongu shrine

Central Tongu: HumanRemains Exhumed From Shrines in Gblorkope

Published: July 9, 2025
By: Peter Atsu ,reviewed by Samuel Gitonga, Yen – Ghana

A quiet Volta village has been rocked by a chilling case of suspected ritual killing after the discovery of human remains
Three brothers, known in the community, are accused of using human remains in shrines
The suspects include a priest, a lottery ticket retailer and a security guard, all linked to a missing young man

A worrying discovery has rocked the quiet village of Gblorkope in the Adidome North electoral area of the Central Tongu District, where police officers in the Volta Regional Police Command have exhumed human remains from shrines.

The remains are allegedly those of individuals murdered and used in ritualistic practices.

Gblorkope rocked by grief as police discover human remains in a shrine. Photo credit: UGC Source: Getty Images

The operation involved three of the six suspects leading authorities to the sites where the remains were found. According to Prosper Ayikpa, the Assembly Member for the area, the remains, including four human skulls, were recovered from two shrines.

“The remains were exhumed from two shrines. The remains were actually used as the foundation upon which deities were moulded in the shrines. In all, four human skulls were exhumed from three shrines with other human parts,” he told YEN.com.gh in an interview, painting a grim picture of the ritualistic practices involved.

Ayikpa expressed his dismay over the incident, confirming that he personally knew the three suspects, who all share the same father. “The suspects are six, but the three that the police came with are indigenes of my electoral area,” Ayikpa stated, adding that “…they are well-known people in the area. They even campaigned for me to become an Assembly Member, so I know them well,” he said.

He also disclosed the professions of the three suspects: “John Gblor is a lotto writer, his brother Yohanes Gblor works as a security guard, and Noah Gblor is the main traditional priest who runs the shrines with the help of his brothers. They all share the same father. They are brothers,” he said.

How Nelson Anyana’s body was found

According to sources close to the investigations, on December 17, 2024, Comfort Hates, a trader residing in Donkorkrom in the Eastern Region, reported to the Adidome Police that her 28-year-old son, Nelson Anyana, had gone missing after leaving home three days earlier to meet one Augustina Fiawoyife.

The Adidome Police Command launched an investigation and arrested Augustina Fiawoyife.

Information disclosed to a local radio station in the Central Tongu Constituency showed that Augustina was the girlfriend of Wisdom Hedidor, a herbalist with whom she lived in Avakpadome, a suburb of Adidome.

Hedidor reportedly became suspicious and warned his girlfriend to stop receiving calls from Nelson, who frequently contacted her. Around the same time, Gblor Noah, the priest, allegedly approached his friend Courage Bedzo, a Kente weaver also residing in Avakpadome, requesting a dead body for ritual purposes in exchange for a ransom.

Courage Bedzo then ostensibly relayed this request to Wisdom Hedidor, who agreed to the plan.
Both men allegedly conspired to kill Nelson Anyana, the man who often called Augustina. Investigations allegedly showed that Hedidor convinced his girlfriend to lure Nelson to a secluded location, where he would be killed and offered to the priest for money rituals.

Augustina, Nelson meet at an isolated spot On Wednesday, 4 December 2024, at approximately 7:30 PM, Augustina reportedly instructed Nelson to meet her at an isolated spot near a bungalow.

Unaware of the purported plan, Nelson arrived and began speaking with her.

Moments later, Hedidor and Bedzo emerged from a nearby bush and allegedly strangled Nelson to death.

After the suspected murder, Courage Bedzo allegedly contacted Gblor Noah to inform him that the body was ready.

Gblor Noah, accompanied by his brother John, the lotto writer, reportedly arrived and transported Nelson’s lifeless body to their house in Gblorkope.

Parts of the body were allegedly used in rituals within the shrine, and the remaining human parts were buried in a nearby bush.

Efforts to speak with the Volta Regional Police Crime Officer on the matter have so far been unsuccessful.

Source: Central Tongu: Human Remains Exhumed From Shrines in Gblorkope

Police exhume multiple human remains in Central Tongu shrine

Published: July 8, 2025
By: Joy Online, from: GNA

The homicide unit of the Ghana Police Service has undertaken an operation, uncovered and exhumed multiple human remains buried in a shrine at Gblorkope in Central Tongu District.

This followed a suspected ritual murder and disappearance of 28-year-old Nelson Anyana.

The homicide investigation is a breakthrough in the alleged murder of Nelson resulting in the discovery of multiple human bones, some buried under idols in the shrine.

Six individuals have been arrested and arraigned in connection with the alleged murder of Nelson, after being declared missing.

The breakthrough came after Police Detectives from the Homicide Unit in Ho, in the company of three key suspects, conducted a search of a property believed to be used for ritual purposes.

The body of Nelson Anyana, who had been missing since December 2024, was exhumed from a Gblorkope shrine satisfying Police suspicion of ritual murder.

The Police, in their search, discovered three additional skeletal remains buried beneath different idols at the same location, as assorted human body parts believed to belong to other victims were found buried in nearby bushes, intensifying suspicions that the site may have been used for serial ritual killings.

The suspects, all residents of Mafi Adidome, are Augustina Fiawoyife, unemployed; Wisdom Hedidor, an herbalist; and Courage Bedzo, a kente weaver.

Others are Gblor Noah, also known as Ekpedzi, a fetish priest, 37; Gblor John, a security guard, 38; and Gblor Johannes, a lotto writer, 27 (all siblings) and operators of the Gblorkope shrine.

According to Police investigations, the case began when Comfort Hatse, a trader from Donkorkrom and mother of the deceased, reported her missing on December 17, 2024.

She stated that the deceased had left home on December 4 to meet the first suspect, Augustina Fiawoyife, and never returned.

It was later discovered that Augustina was in a relationship with the second suspect, Wisdom Hedidor, who had grown jealous over his ongoing relationship with the deceased and hatched the scheme to kill him, which was executed according to plan.

Around that time, the fourth suspect, Gblor Noah, reportedly earlier solicited a human body for ritual purposes in exchange for a substantial payment.

The third suspect, Courage Bedzo, relayed this request to Hedidor, who then agreed to carry out the murder.

On December 12, 2024, Augustina lured the deceased to a secluded area near DC Bungalow, a suburb of Adidome, while the victim engaged her in conversation, Hedidor and Bedzo ambushed and strangled him to death, with Augustina allegedly witnessing the act without intervening.

The third suspect subsequently contacted the fetish priest, who arrived at the scene with the sixth suspect, Gblor Yohannes and bought the deceased’s body for GH¢7,000, which was transported to the shrine in Gblorkope, where it was used in ritual ceremonies before being buried under the idols.

Following the recovery of Nelson Anyana’s remains and those of other unidentified individuals, all six suspects had earlier appeared before a District Court in Ho, charged with abetment of crime to wit murder and conspiracy to commit crime to wit murder.

Police investigators say further forensic analysis was underway based on the new discoveries to determine the identities of the additional victims and appropriate charges for the suspects.

The Ghana Police Service has reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing the case thoroughly and ensuring all perpetrators face the full rigours of the law.

Source: Police exhume multiple human remains in Central Tongu shrine

The following links to articles from various sources (GhanaWeb, Modern Ghana) provide more information on this spectacular and revolting ritual murder case.

July 13, 2025

Lured by Romance: How a 25-year-old mason was used for ritual

July 11, 2025:

Central Tongu Ritual Murder: Police uncover more human remains in shrine linked to murder of Nelson Anyana

Central Tongu Ritual Murder Probe: More human remains exhumed

Central Tongu Ritual Murder Probe: More human remains exhumed

July 10, 2025:

Family of man murdered for alleged ritual and buried at shrine calls on IGP for justice

Suspected Rivalry: How Central Tongu ritual killing was plotted and executed

Central Tongu: Six arrested over ritual murder, serial killings

July 9, 2025:

Ghana Police Homicide Unit Uncovers Grisly Ritual Killings in Volta Region Shrine

Central Tongu: Police exhume multiple human remains in shrine

Ritual killings: Multiple human remains uncovered at Mafi Gblorkope shrine cringes Central Tongu residents

Source: The Homicide Unit of the Ghana Police Service has achieved a significant breakthrough with the discovery and exhumation of multiple human remains at a shrine in Gblorkope, Central Tongu District, Volta Region. The operation was launched following the suspected ritual murder of 28-year old Nelson Ayana, who went missing in December 2024. Source: GhanaWeb

Ghana: attempted ritual murder in Accra

Posted on May 31, 2023 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

If one could speak of good news when hearing about an attempted ritual murder then the good news comes from Ghana.

Reportedly, a 29-year old man abducted a 5-year old girl with the intention to have her sacrificed in a money ritual, but thanks to an honest herbalist whom he presented the child the death of the innocent victim was prevented.

The incident happened in Accra, last month, and this week the accused stood trial. An Accra Circuit Court sentenced the accused – who denied – to 60 months in jail. A victory for justice. Hail to the herbalist and to judicial system in Ghana! Read the full story below (webmaster FVDK).

Head porter jailed 60 months for attempting to use 5-year old girl for money ritual

Published: May 30, 2023
By: My Joy Online (myjoyonline.com)

An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced a 29-year-old head porter to 60 months imprisonment for presenting a five-year-old girl for money ritual at Pokuase in Accra.

Isaac Gabianu kidnapped the victim at a public toilet in Accra and presented the minor to a herbalist at Pokuase for money ritual. The herbalist, however, sent the victim and the convict to the Police. Charged with child stealing, Gabianu pleaded not guilty.

At the end of the trial, the court presided over by Mrs Christina Cann found him guilty.

The court held that the prosecution at the end of the trial succeeded in proving the offence against Gabianu. It, therefore, handed down a deterrent sentence. In his plea for mitigation, Gabianu, who was self-represented, said: ” I cannot confess what I have not done.”

The prosecution led by Superintendent of Police, Agnes Boafo, narrated that the complainant, Patricia Asamoah, was a trader residing at Mallam, Accra. It said the convict was a head porter residing at CMB, Accra.

On April 3, 2023, at about 7:30 pm, the complainant went to the Charge Office of the Railway Police Station, Accra, to report her missing daughter. The prosecution said the complainant indicated that she had gone to the Kantamanto Market, Accra, with the five-year-old daughter and had asked her to wait for her (complainant) in front of a public toilet while she attended to nature’s call at about 1730 hours.

It said after attending to nature’s call, the complainant could not find her daughter and on April 4, 2023, at about 12:30 am, the Police at Pokuase received information that Gabianu had been arrested over an attempted money ritual and brought to them by a herbalist.

The prosecution said the Police at Pokuase then handed over Gabianu to the Accra Railway Police for further investigations. It said the herbalist indicated that Gabianu had brought the victim to him to be killed for a ” sacrifice for money ritual”.

The prosecution said in Gabianu’s caution statement, he admitted the offence.

Source: Head porter jailed 60 months for attempting to use 5-year old girl for money ritual

Nigerian kills Nigerian girlfriend in Ghana for money ritual

Posted on December 2, 2022 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

Nigeria is Africa’s most populated country. With a population estimated at over 200 million people it is not surprising that Nigeria ranks high in the list of countries where people are murdered for ritualistic reasons or in a ritual way, including the performance of rituals believed to bring or enhance political power, economic or financial wealth, good health to the perpetrator(s) and/or conspirator(s). It is my estimation that Nigeria is Number One on the African continent when it comes to ritualistic murders, locally referred to as ‘money rituals’.

Not all ritual murders are discovered whereas not all murders which seem to be ritual murders are true ritual murders. Perpetrators may hide traces or create circumstances intended to mislead investigators. Hence we have to be always careful when reading about reported cases of ritual murders.

That being said, a case is being reported of a Nigerian residing in Ghana who killed his girlfriend for ‘money ritual’. Read the following report.

Warning: Some people may find the following story and/or the video disturbing because of the explicit contents (webmaster FVDK).

Nigerian kills Nigerian girlfriend in Ghana for money ritual

..Any Nigerian that commits a crime in any country, the law of the land should take its course, says NiDCOM

Published: November 30, 2022
By: Per Second News

In his desperate get-rich-quick bid, a Nigerian, whose identity is still unknown, has killed his girlfriend, a Nigerian, in Accra, Ghana.

According to reports, the “lover boy” beheaded the girl at Spintex, Accra, the Ghanian capital, to use her body parts for money ritual.

Just before dismembering her body, Police on a tip-off, swooped on the house and arrested the man, a report reaching Persecondnews said.

A video of his arrest which also showed the moment the corpse of the girl was recovered by the police, was shared on Facebook by a user identified as Smile Baba.

He had commented: “Very sad development this afternoon. I have just arrived from a crime scene here in Accra, Ghana, where a Nigerian young man beheaded his Nigerian girlfriend in Spintex, Accra, Ghana.

“My question is, who actually lies to these young boys and girls that money rituals truly exist?

“Ladies, you have to be careful of who you trust; it doesn’t matter how calm the man looks. Just be careful.”

Contacted for his comment, the spokesman for the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Mr Abdur-Rahmam Balogun, said: “Our stand is that any Nigerian that commits a crime, let the law of the land take its course.

“The Nigerian government has no role to play in such instance. If you go to another man’s land and commit a crime, the law of the land will always take its course.

“So, we always advise Nigerians to be good ambassadors wherever they find themselves. I have not watched the video and we have not been petitioned.”

Source: Nigerian kills Nigerian girlfriend in Ghana for money ritual

Also:

Nigerian man allegedly b e heads his girlfriend in Ghana – YouTube

Ghana: four recent ritual murder cases: Abesim, Kasoa, Mankessim, Wa

Posted on September 27, 2022 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

Ghana’s reputation abroad is one of a stable democracy, with a relative healthy economy, albeit plagued by problems which are characteristic for a developing economy: low incomes, lack of jobs, shortage of capital, to name but a few.

However, there is another Ghana, a traditional Ghana, where people believe in the power of ‘juju’, in superstition, and where criminal people do not hesitate to attack their fellow countrymen for the purposes of ritualistic activities, even if this means that the victims die in the hands of their torturers and murderers.

The four cases cited below illustrate this. The ritualistic murders took place in various parts of the country.

In the past I have given ample attention to the Kasoa case which occurred to the west of the country’s capital Accra (Greater Accra region). All murder cases are tragic but the Kasoa case even more because of the background of the young murderers. The Abesim murder which made two victims, two boys of 12 and 15 years old, took place in the Brong Ahafo Region. The Mankassim murder case is situated in Ghana’s Central Region (Ashanti Region), between Cape Coast and Winneba. I will report more on this case in the next few days. Finally, the gruesome ritualistic murder in Wa, in the Upper West Region.

Tthe reader is warned that the graphic details of the murder(s) may be shocking.
(webmaster FVDK)

Four recent ritual murder cases: Abesim, Kasoa, Mankessim, Wa

Published: September 26, 2022
By: Ghana Web

was conducted at his home.

Source: Four recent ‘ritual’ murder cases: Kasoa, Abesim, Mankessim, Wa

Ghana: case of businessman in alleged ritual murder sent to Attorney General for advice

Posted on August 2, 2022 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

First of all, the suspect, Oppong Kyekyeku, is facing a charge of preparation to commit a crime. Allegedly, the accused when facing financial difficulties consulted a spiritualist and agreed to offer his 11- year old daughter for a ritual. What struck me beyond the assumed superstition and the gruesome murder inevitably linked to the ritual is the fact that the suspect has been living in the Netherlands for many years before he relocated to Ghana a year ago.

Seemingly ‘normal people’ are capable of committing gruesome murders. It’s a known fact, but when again confronted with this reality, I find it quite shocking.
(webmaster FVDK)

Case of businessman in alleged ritual murder sent to Attorney General for advice

Published: July 19, 2022
By: Modern Ghana

The case of Evans Oppong Kyekyeku who is accused of attempting to use his daughter for ritual purposes has been sent to the Attorney General ‘s Office for advice.

When the matter was called today, Monday July 18, 2022, before Ms Ama Adomako Kwakye, Chief Inspector Lawrence Kofi Anane, who held a brief of Chief Inspector Richard Amoah, prayed for a date as a duplicate docket had been sent to the Attorney General. 

Defence Counsel said he had followed up at the AG Office adding that the State was finding it difficult to advise on his client’s case as there was no evidence against him (Oppong Kyekyeku).

The Court, therefore, adjourned the matter to August 1 and remanded Oppong Kyekyeku into Police custody.

Oppong Kyekyeku is facing a charge of preparation to commit crime to wit, murder.

The accused’s plea has been preserved by the Court.

The fact of the prosecution is that Kyekyeku is the father of the victim aged 11 years and he has been living in Holland for many years but relocated to Ghana a year ago.

In the month of May this year, Oppong Kyekyeku allegedly told a friend known as Kwame that he was facing financial difficulty and consulted a spiritualist.

The accused allegedly agreed to present his daughter for the ritual.

He was, however, picked up after he had allegedly managed to send the daughter for the ritual at Oyibi Kom in Accra.

GNA

Source: Case of businessman in alleged ritual murder sent to Attorney General for advice

Liberia, Two Op-Eds: ‘Enough is enough – too many murders going with impunity’ and ‘Silence is not an option, Mr. President!’

Posted on November 10, 2021 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

Yesterday’s post included an article published in one of Liberia’s main newspapers, the Daily Observer, on the current wave of killings and disappearances in Liberia and the urgent need for the police te act. Today, I wish to draw your attention to an editorial in another, equally important newspaper, Front Page Africa, founded, owned and edited by the famous Rodney Sieh.

The title of the Op-Ed speaks for itself, ‘Enough enough’. The editorial starts with an impressive list of nearly 20 victims: murdered, disappeared, mutilated, the victims have in common a cruel and premature end of their life. The author, Milton Nathaniel Barnes, criticizes the inaction of the government, the absence of the rule of law, and the persistence of impunity.

Mr.Barnes’ cry is echoed by an article in the Daily Observer of today, November10: ‘Silence Is Not An Option, Mr. President!’

Already in mid-September, the Daily Observer had published an editorial entitled “The People of Liberia Are Under Siege – Break That Siege Now”, pointing out that rising insecurity had become an issue affecting all Liberians. The newspaper editor criticizes President George Weah and concludes with a pertinent statement: ‘(….) President Weah must break his silence, speak to the Liberian people and reassure them. For, anything short of this would suggest complicity. Silence is not an option Mr. President!‘

Will President Weah understand the message and act accordingly?
We’ll see the coming days.
I will report on subsequent developments (webmaster FVDK).

Liberia: Enough Is Enough – Too Many Murders Going With Impunity

Published: November 8, 2021
By: Milton Nathaniel Barnes – Front Page Africa, Liberia

Follows a list of recent victims:

Rev. Dr. William R. Tolbert III (November 1, 2021)

Maude Elliot (October 31, 2021)

John H. Tubman (September 22, 2021)

Unidentified Woman on 17^th Street Beach (September 14, 2021)

Matthew J. Innis (August 2019)

Mordecai Nyemah (May 2021)

Melvin Earley (February 19, 2021)

Florence Massaquoi (February 2021)

Robert M. Blamo, Jr. (2021)

Bobby S. Gbeanquoi (2021)

Siafa G. Boimah (2021)

Albert Peters (October 2020)

Gifty Lama (October 2020)

Elijah Polumah (2020)

Abraham Tumay (2020)

George B. Fanbutu (2020)

Possibly, others unknown

WHAT’S GOING ON, MY PEOPLE? In every instance above, innocent lives have been taken; and, we are not sure what is being done about it. Liberians are dying mysteriously or being brutally murdered. Murderers are getting away with impunity. The usual lip service is paid; the family greaves; and, we carry on our lives disillusioned and frightened.

WHAT IS EXASPERATING about this is that Liberians are fearing for their lives in the midst of dire poverty and economic straits. They barely eke out a living encountering the huge cost of feeding themselves, educating their children, paying their rent, transporting themselves, only to be faced with the threat of someone murdering them in cold blood.

WHY ARE LIBERIANS continuing to face these nearly insurmountable challenges? Simply stated, this is due to the absence of Law and Order, which should, at the very least, investigate and inform the public so as to reassure them that authorities are responding with urgency. In this particular environment, when criminals believe that they can get away with heinous acts including brutal murders, they take that as a “license to kill” in view of the fact that there appear to be no consequences.

IN MY OPINION, this comes down to the matter of leadership. For quite a while now, Liberia has been led by politicians as opposed to authentic leaders. Basically, what I’m saying is that there is a distinct difference between a leader and a politician. An authentic and effective leader will address numerous challenges, be they economic (fiscal-monetary management, unemployment, etc.) or social (justice, education, healthcare etc.), using a wide array of tools. A leader knows how to corral the appropriate experts who can provide effective solutions to whatever challenges may arise within his or her sphere of influence.

A POLITICIAN, on the other hand, possesses a singular tool that is used to address any and every issue: politics. From the politician’s perspective, every problem, regardless of its nature, requires the solution of political rhetoric. The politician says whatever he or she believes will assuage the people. The goal is to persuade the people that things will be fine. Saying so, as we all know, does not make things so. Yet, the only tool of the politician is politics (i.e. the power of persuasion).

IN THE FACE OF MURDERS with impunity, leaders, at all levels of society, cannot afford to sit aside with indifference. We must stand up against these outrageous acts. We know that God is the ultimate judge; yet, every true religion teaches us that there are laws by which we must govern ourselves. In Liberia, our entire social fabric is at risk of disintegrating. No society, without a modicum of justice in the face of serious crime, can continue to function. It will inevitably tumble into utter chaos.

IN VIEW OF WHAT IS UNFOLDING, I am poised to ask the following questions:

Can we, as a country and people, take decisive steps to address these concerns?

Can we source international support to investigate these deaths many of which seem mysterious; if, and only if, we lack the resources and technical ability to do so?

Can the public be kept abreast as to the progress Government is making in investigating these deaths?

CAN WE ALSO ENDEAVOR to investigate the drivers of these mysterious killings?

Lest we forget, regardless of the circumstances of these deaths, whether politically motivated and or based on hatred, they do have ripple effects that transcend the actual victims. We may have to deal with how family members are affected and what interpretation others connected to the victims may conceive.

REMEMBER, the fruit of peace and freedom is priceless; and living in the spirit of fear breeds distress.

THIS IS A CLARION call to all people of Liberia to stand up and put an end to brutal murders and other serious crimes. Our first step is to unilaterally and publicly condemn these atrocious acts; and, then, demand that our justice system fully and completely investigates each unexplained death. Culprits must be prosecuted and punished to the full extent of the law.

IN TIMES OF TROUBLE, when good people sit aside supinely and do nothing, they are no better than the perpetrators of evil; for there is an adage that says, “we give acquiescence by our silence.”

Source: Liberia: Enough Is Enough – Too Many Murders Going With Impunity

Silence Is Not An Option, Mr. President!

Published: November 10, 2021
By: Editorial Board – Daily Observer, Liberia

Barely two months ago in its September 16, 2021 editorial headlined – “The People of Liberia Are Under Siege – Break That Siege Now”, the Daily Observer pointed out that rising insecurity had become an issue of grave concern to Liberians across the board.
Note of the webmaster: This article by the Daily Observer’s Editorial Board has been included below – italics are mine, FVDK).

There have been persistent media reports of unexplained disappearances as in the case of the Blamo brothers who were reportedly hired by the proprietor of the St. Moses Funeral Parlors and extrajudicial killings including ritualistic killings carried out by individuals with alleged links to this government.

We recall the deaths last year of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) government auditors under mysterious circumstances. President Weah’s comments, suggesting that Gifty Lama and her colleague who were found dead in a vehicle on Broad Street were both lovers making out in their car, sent a wave of shock through the public.

Another LRA official, while driving along the SKD Boulevard, was attacked by machete wielding motorcyclists, causing him to run off the road and crash into a nearby house.

In yet another instance, the head of the Internal Audit Agency was killed after allegedly falling from the balcony of his house on SKD Boulevard.

President Weah’s response to that development was to urge citizens to install close-circuit television (CCTV) cameras around their homes. That was well before the spike in reports of ritualistic killings around the country, which has served to create a climate of fear and uncertainty amongst the citizenry.

It is safe to say that Police response to such reports of extrajudicial killings have been at best ineffectual. Police Inspector-General Patrick Sudue, responding to expressed public concerns about the rise in ritualistic killings, dismissed such reports, adding that Liberians are freely disposing of their dead in the streets because of their inability to give their relatives a decent burial.

He further declared that it was against such a backdrop that reports of bodies being discovered with parts missing were all fake news, intended to discredit the Weah administration.

But as events have shown, the fears of the people appear justified, given the spate of recent brutal murders of John Hilary Tubman, son of the late President William V.S. Tubman; William Richard Tolbert III, son of the late President William Richard Tolbert, Jr; and former immigration officer, Maude Elliot, in their respective homes.

Those tragic events, all unfolding within a very short period, have again raised public concerns about what they see as no end to the growing wave of insecurity under this government.

Not a single perpetrator has been apprehended in all of the cases cited earlier. This is giving rise to a heightened sense of insecurity. After dark, the streets of Monrovia become virtually deserted.

By 10pm latest, all stores, shops and supermarkets are shut and business comes to a grinding halt, except for a few night clubs which remain open until midnight.

Only recently, in broad daylight, a group of armed thugs invaded a restaurant and bar located on 19^th Street near the beach, shaking down bartenders and customers alike, taking away their valuables and money.

To the best of public knowledge, no suspects have, as yet, been apprehended by the Police. The Police, as is well known, is hamstrung in the effective discharge of its duties and responsibilities by the critical lack of logistics including communications.

However, concerns about corruption remain an abiding concern. Salaries are low, discipline poor, and effective leadership is lacking. Under the leadership of current Police Inspector-General Patrick Sudue, public confidence in the Police has waned significantly to the point where the Police is now being seen as partisan.

This negative public impression of the Police persists despite pronouncements by a local civil society group, National Youth Movement for Transparent Elections (NAYMOTE) declaring that public confidence in the Police is increasing.

Given the current outlook, it appears that the restoration of public confidence in the Police is still a long way off. The disconnect between the Police and the public appears to be widening instead.

Official government support to the Police rather than being directed at countering public dissent and clamping down on freedom of speech and assembly should instead be increased to aid its effectiveness and ability to provide protection to the people of Liberia.

This newspaper once again reminds President Weah that there is a climate of fear being created by such gruesome and mysterious killings as well as unexplained disappearances. The Daily Observer has consistently reminded this government that the creation of a climate of fear is in no one’s interest.

This is because of the recognized fact that a climate of fear also induces feelings of hate and ill-will towards the government. Such feelings can be suppressed but only for a time. They simmer and without warning can explode like a volcano with dastardly implications for social cohesion, national stability and security.

Accordingly, it behooves all — the public and government alike — to work in tandem to curb the rise in violent crime and politically motivated murders such as ritualistic killings.

Above all, it bespeaks the urgent need to end the culture of impunity. And lest we forget, the TRC report provides a proper starting point — that is implementation of its recommendations, especially those recommendations on criminal accountability.

Quite clearly, the rule of law can never thrive in a situation where mass murders and war criminals parade the corridors of power lording over the victims of their crimes.

Equally so, can it be said that unscrupulous individuals, driven by greed and feeling emboldened by the fact that warlords have since enjoyed impunity, could also attempt to follow their example.

As leader, President Weah should ensure that matters concerning the safety, security and wellbeing of the Liberian people be treated with foremost and not benign concern.

This means President Weah must break his silence, speak to the Liberian people and reassure them. For, anything short of this would suggest complicity. Silence is not an option Mr. President!

Source: Silence Is Not An Option, Mr. President!

The People of Liberia Are Under Siege! Break That Siege Now, Mr. President!

Published: September 16, 2021
By: Editorial Board – Daily Observer, Liberia

Rising insecurity is/has become an issue of grave concern to Liberians across the board. Report of a rise in ritual killings, unexplained disappearances, extrajudicial killings carried out by individuals with alleged links to this government have all been major topics of concern on virtually all local radio talk-shows recently.

Barely a week ago, a driver of the National Transit Authority (NTA) assigned to ferry to and from the Roberts International Airport (RIA) supporters of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) who turned out to welcome returning CDC chairman Mulbah Morlu was seriously wounded under unexplained circumstances.

The incident, according to eyewitness accounts, occurred in the environs of the CDC Congo Town headquarters. According to a family spokesman, they believe their relative was shot and seriously wounded. Further, according to the spokesman, they have appealed to authorities of the MTA to fly their relative out of the country for advanced treatment in view of his critical condition resulting from the alleged shooting by an unidentified individual.

But the Police see things differently. According to Police spokesperson Moses Carter, the NTA driver’s injury was caused by a stone thrown by an unidentified individual. Some eyewitness accounts, however, say the driver was shot. As to whether it was an accidental discharge or not remains unclear. But family members maintain that a stone would not cause extreme injury to their relative that would place his life in such grave danger.

Just who is telling the truth remains unclear in the absence of a medical report stating the kind of injury sustained and its causal agent. The Police are urged to go further in the provision of adequate and accurate information to the public.

Another recent development is the unexplained killing of a female whose lifeless body was discovered on 17 Street near the beach. According to the Police, she was sexually assaulted. Further, the Police maintain that she was mentally challenged and was reported to have often left home for unknown destinations.

But according to eyewitness accounts, the crime scene appeared as though there had been a tussle between the lady and her assailants. Further, according to them, her head appeared to have been bashed by a blunt object, and that parts of her body were extracted. However, these accounts have not been confirmed by the Police. It would however do the Police well to conduct an autopsy and make public the findings.

This is necessary because of the general negative public perception of the Liberia National Police (LNP). Several unexplained deaths/killings have occurred recently that have left the public with rising feelings of insecurity and a growing lack of trust in the ability of this government to protect them.

Recalling from history, rising insecurity and general perceptions of government’s inability to protect the people always serve to undermine the legitimacy of that government. Such was the case with the Doe administration, in which the abuse of human rights was commonplace. Eventually, it led to violent resistance that took away his life.

Similarly placed was the government of President Charles Taylor, who came to power on the heels of a prolonged civil war. At a sovereign national conference convened during his administration, the greatest and unanimous concern of delegates at that conference was insecurity.

But President Charles Taylor, it appeared, remained impervious to those expressed concerns as he did virtually nothing to curtail the excesses of his security forces. The rest is history. According to a retired diplomat, Liberians have had enough, more than their fair share of disruptions to their lives caused by the insane greed of their leaders. Some according to him were known to have indulged in ritual murder and practices.

A former National Patriotic Front (NPFL) rebel, Joseph Zigzag Marzah testified before the Sierra Leone Special Court sitting in The Hague that he and others, along with former Liberian President Charles Taylor, partook in ritual feasts that involved human body parts. Ritualistic killing has been practiced in Liberia for a long time. Those who indulge in it believe that drinking human blood and consuming potions containing human body parts impart them with magical prowess to overcome their enemies politically or otherwise.

In 1977, during the reign of President Tolbert, several prominent individuals and commoners were tried in Maryland County on charges of ritual murder. They were found guilty and sentenced to death and were publicly hanged. For a prolonged period thereafter, ritualistic killing subsided. It has since however reared its head. During the Doe and Taylor administrations, ritualistic killing was a known fact. Cannibalism, especially the eating of human hearts, was practiced by all the warring factions during the civil war

But of late, ritualistic killing and extrajudicial killings have become matters of rising public concern. Indications so far suggest that this government is doing virtually little or nothing to stop it. Additionally, crime, especially violent crime is on the increase. Abductions, handbag and phone snatching by individuals mounted on motorcycles have also increased. Although the public is raising concern, the LNP response appears ineffectual.

This may more likely than not lead to situations where people generally begin to take matters into their hands. Such would not augur well for general public safety, security, and national stability. This is why the public expects that President Weah should become seized of the matter and do something concrete to address concerns about the alleged involvement of his officials in a ritualistic murder.

He is currently on a mission to Accra, Ghana, intended to resolve the situation in neighboring Guinea arising from the overthrow of President Alpha Conde. ECOWAS and the AU have since imposed sanctions. As a leader, President Weah should remember that cardinal among his duties is the duty to defend the people against threats to their safety and security and ensure the protection of their rights. For your information, the people of Liberia are under siege Mr. President. You have to break that siege now!

Source: The People of Liberia Are Under Siege! Break That Siege Now, Mr. President!

Ritual murders which have shaken Ghana since the 1980s

Posted on August 31, 2021 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

Ritualistic activities and ritual murders seem to be on the rise in Ghana. Yesterday I referred to some recent cases. However, ritual killings are nothing new in this West African country, as the Ghana Web article of August 29 (presented below) illustrates.

I have reported earlier on ritual murders in Ghana, covering the 2006 – 2012 period, with more than 30 reported ritual murders between 2006 and 2012, and also including a ritual murder case dating back as far as 1944. And, of course, one of the most notorious ritual murder cases in recent times is the Kasoa murder case.

Regrettably, most links to the articles on ritual murders of the 2006-2012 period (referred to above) have disappeared. It is for this reason that I’ve changed methods on the present site where I am including an exact copy of the articles mentioned reporting ritual murder cases (‘copy-paste’). In respect of the source used I am always including a reference to the source and the author of the article(s).

Soon more developments in the ongoing trial of the accused ritual murderers in the Kasoa ritual murder case, two teenagers (webmaster FVDK).

Ritual killings for human parts: these cases have shaken Ghana since the 1980s

**Dr. Beckley was notorious for being involved in many ritual killings**

Published: August 29, 2021
By: Ghana Web

The 1980s killings:

Charles Ebo Quansah, The Strangler
The following two sections report on a notorious serial killer and not on ritual murders and have for this reason been deleted by the webmaster (FVDK).

History of Dr. Beckley – The occultist who sent fears down the spine of everyone in Ghana
Screenshot. You may watch the video on YouTube by clicking here

More on these ritual killings in tomorrow’s posting (FVDK).

Source: Ritual killings for human parts, others – These cases have shaken Ghana since the 1980s

Ghana: pastor killed daughter to fulfill ‘ritual obligations’ for power

Posted on January 26, 2021 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

At first sight this looks as ‘an ordinary or common’ murder case. So, no reason to include the crime on this website. However, upon further investigation there seems to be a ritualistic aspect. Apparently, preliminary reports indicate that the victim, the suspect’s daughter, had been murdered by her own father for ritual purposes and upon directives from an unnamed ritualist.

If future disclosures confirm or contradict the suspicion of a ritualistic act I will report it here. After all, the focus of this website is on ritual murders, i.e. murders committed for ritualistic purposes, based on superstition, and with the objective to increase the wealth, health, status, career or reputation of the perpetrator or an associate, a client or a relative.
(webmaster FVDK).

UPDATE: Pastor killed daughter to fulfill ‘ritual obligations’ for power – Report

**Pastor Boakye Gideon has been arrested by Nkoranza Police Command in the Bono East Region, Ghana**

Published: January 18, 2021
By: GhanaWeb

Personnel of the Homicide Unit of the Ghana Police Service has exhumed the body of the 9-year-old girl who was gruesomely murdered by her father who is a pastor.

Even before the suspect Pastor Boakye Gideon of the Heavens Kingdom Palace Ministry International in Accra is arraigned before court and provisionally charged for murder, preliminary reports suggest the girl was murdered for ritual purposes.

The pastor at the centre of the crime claims that he beat the poor girl for committing an offense and she collapsed and died but evidence from the scene of the crime MyNewsGh.com has been told, suggests the deceased was gruesomely murdered by her biological father upon directives from an unnamed ritualist.

Though police investigators are tight-lipped over details as they conduct a DNA analysis on the skeletal remains of the exhumed body to establish if indeed it is the body of the girl, close family members including an uncle disclosed to this portal they suspect she was deliberately murdered.

Pastor Gideon Boakye who is currently in the custody of Nkoranza Police Command in the Bono East Region upon his arrest on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, confessed that he killed his daughter and secretly buried her at Nkoranza cemetery. (NB The original article stated erroneously January 13, 2020 – italics FVDK)

He later led the police and the family members to Nkoranza cemetery where he showed them where he buried his daughter after the dastardly act.

Nyarfo Samuel, Uncle of the deceased speaking in an interview with an investigative team comprising Pure FM’s Osei Kwadwo and MyNewsGh.com’s reporters said, Boakye Queenster known popularly among relations as Maame Ama has been staying with her mother’s family in Nkoranza since she was born until recently when the man came for her.

Source: UPDATE: Pastor killed daughter to fulfill ‘ritual obligations’ for power – Report

The Bono East Region was recently created (2019). Its capital is Techiman.

Ghana, Volta Region: two fetish priests engage in ritual killing practices

Posted on May 15, 2020 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

Two fetish priests in the Eastern Region (Volta Region) have been apprehended and are suspected to be ritual killers. The article below is a follow-up on my posting of May 4.

Allegedly, a link exists with Togo, where the two men are hailing from. On this site I have presented several cases of ritual murders committed in Ghana. Ritual murder cases are seldom reported from Togo. This does not mean that in this country ritual practices and murders are non-existent. I suspect that it is more a question of under-reporting. There is no reason to believe that ritual murders do not occur in francophone African countries.

Unfortunately, there exists a bias in my reports on ritual murder cases across the African continent. The case presented below is another reason to be more vigilant and more balanced in my reporting on this site (webmaster FVDK).

How Fetish Priests Killed Ex-Soldier And Buried Him Including Others

Published: May 4, 2020
By: Modern Ghana

Details are emerging about how a special police team raided a shrine in the Eastern Region and exhumed headless human remains from the place.

At least three bodies were found buried in shallow graves when the special team raided the shrine where body parts were also found scattered all over the place.

Two fetish priests, namely Christian Lawoe Gameli aka Power-One, 40, and Famous Adukonu aka Scorpion, 36, who were operating a shrine called ‘Power 1 Herbal & Spiritual Centre’ located at Adu Kwadwo and Kofi Nyarko villages near Maame Dede Junction on the Nsawam to Adeiso road in the Upper West Akyem District of the Eastern Region, were arrested and brought to Accra during the raid.

The taxi driver, who was arrested alongside both fetish priests last Thursday, had been named as Allotey, and they were being detained by the police for ritual murder, fraud and the production of fake currencies.

The arrest is coming at a time when there are swelling allegations of collaboration between fetish priests, some spiritualists and some fake pastors in the country.

Old Soldier

It is turning out that at least one of the victims is believed to be a retired soldier, and his disappearance triggered intense police investigation that led to the raid.

The suspects allegedly murdered the 64-year-old ex-soldier, Edward Quartey Papafio, from Accra, who reportedly went to the shrine two weeks ago to seek spiritual help from the priests.

The soldier’s phone led investigators to the shrine, according to police sources.

He was reported to have been duped by the suspects who told him to go and come back in some days.

The old soldier later informed his wife and son, who was also a serving soldier, about the incident before visiting the shrine on the second attempt.

Shooting Incident

DAILY GUIDE gathered that when he went back to the shrine to confront them, the suspects asked him to sit somewhere in the shrine and in the process they shot him, killing him instantly.

They then buried him at the back of the shrine in the dress that he was wearing.

The deceased’s wife who was not hearing from him started calling his mobile phone several times, but the calls didn’t go through.

Police Intervention

The deceased soldier’s son went to the community in search of his late father before reporting the matter to the police CID, who also deployed some investigators to the community to gather more facts.

Their Roots

The fetish priests, as gathered, hail from Togo and came to stay at Suhum, but moved to settle in the current village about five years ago.

They have reportedly built two shrines and a hotel at separate locations during their short stay in the area and are said to be feared by the people.

Modus Operandi

They usually run advertisement and talk shows on Starr TV, a private television station based in Koforidua, to lure their clients who want to turn millionaires overnight.

They are said to have used their so-called powers to ‘dupe’ many clients and normally charge not less than GH¢1,000 as ‘participating’ fees.

Serial Killing

Some residents have made wild claims that a lot of people who visited the shrine vanished afterwards whenever the clients tried to fight back after being felt duped by the fetish priests.

The suspects, after the heinous crimes, allegedly bury the victims in their dresses in a manhole at the back of the shrine, and others in the rituals room after removing their parts.

They further claimed that some kids have been reported missing in the community ever since the duo settled in the area.

Some even alleged that the suspects usually ‘camped’ their clients who threaten to expose them when they failed to perform what they promise to do for them.

Some of the victims reportedly managed to escape and filed complaints at the police station at Adeiso, but the suspects were never arrested and questioned.

Marching Suspects

The police upon arresting the suspects marched them to the spots where they suspected the remains had been buried, and the suspects allegedly pointed to those spots for the bodies to be exhumed.

At around 11:00am on Thursday, the police used an excavator to dig the graveyard and also pulled down the walls of the shrine before exhuming fresh human skulls and plenty of bones.

The exhumation exercise ended around 4pm.

There are wild rumours in the village that a certain Kwashie Zormelo (age unknown) from Kasoa may have also been murdered by the suspects.

DAILY GUIDE understands the CID will be addressing the media on the matter at 2pm today.

Source: How Fetish Priests Killed Ex-Soldier And Buried Him Including Others

Published: May 4, 2020
By: MyJoyOnLine

Two traditional priests are in the custody of the police for allegedly killing a biochemist consultant and siphoning what is suspected to be his blood into a gallon.

The deceased Edward Quartey-Papafio, 64, had left his house on January 15, 2020, at about 3:30 am after receiving a phone call.

According to the Director-General of the CID, COP Isaac Yeboah, after police investigations, it was discovered that the deceased was last spotted in Adeisu, near Nsawam in the Eastern region.

The police intensified investigation, and on April 21, 2020, they arrested suspects Christian Gameli Lawerh alias Power, 36, and Famous Adorkunu alias Scorpion, 37.

Both fetish priests hail from the Volta region but reside at Maame Dede near Adeisu.

After a search was conducted at their residences, police retrieved two pump action guns, a single barrel gun, together with eleven packets of cartridges from Lawerh’s room.

On April 29, both suspects admitted having interacted with the missing person for some time, but he was later shot and killed on January 15, 2020, at their shrine.

The suspects reiterated that the deceased was buried at a particular spot within the shrine and led police to the scene. The area was secured for an exhumation order to be granted by the court.

On April 30, the police including pathologists and other forensic experts went to Maame Dede and executed the exhumation.

The pathologists retrieved the decomposed body from a grave.

A second decomposed body whose name the suspect Gameli gave as Kwesi Zomelo also from Kasoa was retrieved from a separate grave.

The team later exhumed human parts, hair attachments, bead (belonging to a woman, police suspect), and bones from a third grave within the same perimeter.

A decomposed human flesh with bones wrapped in a cloth buried among the bodies was also retrieved from another grave. The team in addition retrieved human skulls together with bones, suspected to be human, hidden under two ‘idols’ in the house.

Investigations have so far established that on December 2019, the two conspired to murder Edward Quartey-Papafio, according to police.

They are alleged to have lured the deceased to their shrine and succeeded in collecting cash amounting to 10,000 Ghana cedis from him with a promise to fortify the deceased spiritually to enable his company to flourish.

On January 15, they invited Quartey-Papafio to the shrine for what they claimed to be the final purification rites but in the process they shot, killed and buried his body.

Police say after committing the crime, Lawerh took possession of the deceased’s Itel and Nokia mobile phones and handed them to his third wife, together with a bunch of keys.

Police say the second suspect Adorkunu, has confessed that he shot and killed Mr. Quartey-Papafio.

He also confessed to killing Zomelo and one of his masons after the deceased demanded money owed him.

According to COP Isaac Ken Yeboah, the remains exhumed from the shrine have been deposited at the Police Hospital Mortuary awaiting DNA testing and identification.

The suspects have been remanded and are awaiting trial.

Source: How two fetish priests murdered and buried a biochemist, others at their shrine

Ghana – ritual murder: four headless bodies uncovered in shrine in Eastern Region

Posted on May 4, 2020 by Dr. F.P.M. van der Kraaij

Also Ghana is not an exception to the gruesome reality of the widespread occurrence of ritualistic murders in SSA-countries, as I stated in one of my previous posts. Can anyone explain that to me? (webmaster FVDK).

Four Headless Bodies Uncovered In Shrine

To listen to the report click on the image in the original article (in Source, below)

Published: May 2, 2020
By: Modern Ghana

The fetish priests and a taxi driver have been picked up in a joint security operation, carried out by armed police and military personnel from Accra, for allegedly killing six people at their shrine.

The police have given the names of the fetish priests only as Power One, believed to be 40 years old, and Famous, 36.

The shrine of both spiritualists was also named ‘Power 1 Herbal & Spiritual Centre’ located at Adu Kwadwo, near Maame Dede in the Upper West Akyem District of the Eastern Region.

The taxi driver, identified as Allotey, was also grabbed for allegedly aiding the fetish priests in committing the alleged crime.

The suspected fetish priests and the driver are being held for ritual murder, fraud, and the production of fake currencies after the raid at the shrine last Thursday.

DAILY GUIDE gathered that the shrine of both spiritualists was raided because the police suspected they had buried people there.

Upon their arrests, the police reportedly marched the suspects to spots where they suspected the remains had been buried, and the suspects allegedly pointed to those spots for the bodies to be exhumed.

The police retrieved fresh human head, skulls and other human parts tied in a polythene bag and they suspected it was to be used for sacrifice.

The suspects have been transferred to Accra along with the exhibits retrieved.

Source: Four Headless Bodies Uncovered In Shrine

Published: April 30, 2020
By: Obed Ansah mybrytfmonline

Two spiritualists at Adu Kwadwo Community near Maame Dede in the Upper West Akyem District of the Eastern Region have been busted by a joint team of Police and Military personnel.

The two fetish priests arrested are Power 1 and Scorpion.

They were arrested for alleged ritual murder and fraud and the production of fake currencies.

According to the report, the joint armed security team that carried out the operation has exhumed some two bodies.

Mybrytfmonline.com will provide detailed information about the operation as and when it unfolds.

Source: Breaking News: Police, Military Raid Shrine in Upper West Akyem over Ritual Murder

Ritual Killing In Africa

Human Rights, Rule of Law, and Superstition in Africa

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