The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Tempane, Mbilla Joseph Ayaaba, has expressed deep dismay over the brutal killing of two elderly women in the Sumaduri community following accusations of witchcraft.
Speaking to our reporter, Moses Apiah, Mr. Ayaaba described the incident as “very disheartening” and unacceptable in a modern society. He said the news prompted him to contact the police to confirm whether the matter had been officially reported.
“When I got the information, I had to enquire from the police whether it had been reported, and they confirmed they were contacted,” he said, explaining that the authorities retrieved the bodies, conducted investigations, and handed them over for burial while pursuing the suspects.
Mr. Ayaaba noted that initial attempts to arrest the suspects were unsuccessful as they had fled, but subsequent operations led to their apprehension. He strongly condemned the act, stressing that witchcraft accusations and mob justice should not be tolerated.
“People cannot just see others and start attacking them as witches or wizards. What is the scientific proof?” he asked. “Even if someone is suspected, there are proper ways to handle the issue. No one should take the law into their own hands, beat, insult, or kill another person. It is very unfortunate.”
He expressed shock that some of the suspects were family members of the deceased. “How will you see your own family member and beat her to death because of witchcraft allegations? Assuming that person was your mother, would you do that?” he questioned, urging residents to act as responsible members of a peaceful society.
The victims, Mariama Jato, 58, and Nachuagutugu Dunwaag, 75, were allegedly killed on January 18, 2026. Eight people, including seven family members and a pastor, have been arraigned by the Garu District Police Command in Bolgatanga. They face charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and abetment of murder.
Freda Yaya Laar-Mong, the First North East Regional Representative of Ghana’s Most Beautiful, also called for justice, saying, “This barbaric practice of accusing elderly women and beating them to death must stop.” She expressed confidence that the police would pursue the case to its logical conclusion.
Community leaders and human rights advocates continue to call for public education, stronger protections for the elderly, and strict enforcement of the law to prevent similar tragedies.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
