A disturbing incident involving a witchcraft accusation recently led to the arrest and remand of Edmund Anamboi Aduko, a lecturer at Gbewaa College of Education, along with five pastors and others in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region.
The accused individuals allegedly accused 61-year-old Ayidaana Abotisei of being a witch, which resulted in her near-lynching in the Adaboya community. They forcefully took her to a fetish priest to confess wrongdoing, contrary to Section 207 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act of Ghana (Act 29, 1960).
At the Bongo District Court on July 2, 2024, the accused were brought before the court, which remanded them for two weeks to allow for further police investigation. This decision was made because seven of the accused are currently at large.
No new arrests have been made in connection with the matter since the first court hearing.
The case has sparked significant unrest within the community, where many are dissatisfied with the arrest of local residents. Information reaching A1 Radio suggests that community members are urging local chiefs to intervene and resolve the matter outside of the courtroom, preferring a community-based settlement.
There is mounting pressure on the accused person’s family, local chiefs, and opinion leaders to consider withdrawing the case. This pressure stems from concerns that the ongoing legal battle is tarnishing the community’s reputation and could lead to further police action, according to reports.
The victim, who was hospitalized and later discharged, is currently staying away from the community for safety reasons. The accused’s family is determined to let the legal process continue and urges the court to resist calls to withdraw the case despite the growing local discontent.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHZ|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bongo|
