Two women have been lynched in the community of Sumaduuri, Tempane District, following accusations of witchcraft by family members after a young man fell ill.
The tragic incident unfolded earlier this month when one of the women was accused of bewitching the young man who had taken ill. She was allegedly taken to a witch doctor in neighbouring Togo, where she reportedly mentioned another woman as her accomplice. After undergoing rituals, both women were brought back to Ghana.
A few days later, the young man’s condition reportedly worsened, prompting the family to force the two accused women to a prayer camp in Tempane. Witnesses say the women were subjected to severe molestation and mistreatment during the process.
Due to the extreme abuse, the women became extremely weak on their return journey. They were allegedly abandoned by their families under a tree, where they later died.
The incident was reported to the Kpikpira Naba Palace, after which the Garu District Police Command was notified.
Eight individuals, including a local pastor and seven others believed to be accomplices, have since been arrested to assist with investigations.
The police have launched a full-scale probe into the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the alleged role of the community members involved.
This incident has reignited national concern over the persistent issue of witchcraft accusations and mob justice in parts of Ghana, particularly in rural communities.
Authorities have condemned the act and urged the public to report such cases to the police rather than resorting to vigilante actions.
The victims’ bodies have been deposited at the morgue for autopsy, while the police continue their investigations.
