Freda Yaya Laar-Mong, the first North East Regional Representative of Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB), has strongly condemned the killing of two elderly women in the Sumaduri-Tempane community of the Upper East Region, calling for justice and an end to witchcraft-related violence against women.
“This barbaric practice of accusing elderly women and beating them to death must stop,” she said in an interview with A1 Radio’s Moses Apiah, describing the incident as heartbreaking and unacceptable in a modern society. She expressed confidence in the Ghana Police Service, saying she believes authorities will pursue the case to its logical conclusion and ensure justice is served.
Her comments follow the arraignment of eight persons by the Garu District Police Command, which oversees the Tempane District, over the alleged murder of the two women. The deceased have been identified as Mariama Jato, 58, and Nachuagutugu Dunwaag, 75, who were reportedly beaten to death by family members after being accused of witchcraft.
According to police investigations, the incident occurred on Jan. 18, 2026, at about 12:30 p.m., when a distress call was received indicating that the two women had been violently assaulted. Seven of the suspects, identified as A1 to A7, are farmers and members of the same family in Sumaduri-Tempane. Investigators say the suspects blamed the women for persistent misfortunes in the family and sought spiritual validation from A8, a pastor of the Voice of Healing Assembly Church, who allegedly confirmed the witchcraft accusations.
The suspects allegedly armed themselves with sticks and belts and assaulted the women, leading to their deaths. Police intervened while the suspects were reportedly planning to secretly bury the bodies. The bodies were retrieved and conveyed to the Garu Presbyterian Hospital for autopsy.
All eight suspects have been charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and abetment of murder. Investigations are ongoing.
The incident has reignited public outrage over witchcraft accusations and mob justice, prompting renewed calls for public education, protection of the aged, and strict enforcement of the law to safeguard vulnerable women.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
