The Upper East Regional Women’s Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fawzia Yakubu Abagnama, has strongly condemned witchcraft-related killings in the Tempane District and called on traditional authorities, religious leaders, and community members to actively speak out against witchcraft accusations and the violence associated with them.
In a press statement sighted by A1 News, Madam Abagnama described the recent killing of two elderly women in the Tempane District as gruesome and disturbing, and a painful reminder of the dangers women—especially elderly women—continue to face under the false guise of witchcraft accusations.
“I wish to strongly condemn the gruesome killing of two elderly women in the Tempane District of the Upper East Region. This heinous act is not only disturbing but also a painful reminder of the continued violence women, particularly elderly women, suffer under the false guise of witchcraft accusations,” she stated.
The deceased, identified as Mariama Jato, aged 58, and Nachuagutugu Dunwaag, aged 75, were reportedly beaten to death by their own family members after being accused of witchcraft. According to police investigations, the tragic incident occurred on January 18, 2026, at about 12:30 p.m., following a distress call that alerted authorities to the violent assault on the two women.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects blamed the victims for persistent misfortunes within the family and sought spiritual validation from a pastor of the Voice of Healing Assembly Church, who allegedly affirmed the witchcraft allegations. Acting on this belief, the suspects reportedly armed themselves with sticks and belts and assaulted the women, leading to their untimely deaths. Police intervened while the suspects were allegedly planning to secretly bury the bodies. The bodies were later retrieved and conveyed to the Garu Presbyterian Hospital for preservation and autopsy.
Madam Abagnama noted with concern, but also with relief, that the Garu District Police Command, which oversees the Tempane District, has arrested eight suspects in connection with the crime. The suspects have been charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and abetment of murder, and investigations are ongoing.
She commended the police for their swift intervention and urged security agencies and judicial authorities to deal decisively with the perpetrators to serve as a strong deterrent.
She further called on traditional authorities, religious leaders, and community members to actively work against witchcraft accusations and related violence, stressing that such harmful practices continue to claim innocent lives, particularly those of vulnerable women.
“Women must be protected, respected, and allowed to live in dignity and safety, regardless of age or social status. As a society, we must collectively say no to witchcraft-related violence. Enough is enough,” she emphasized.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
