Witchcraft

Witchcraft, which translates as 'beyie' in Akan, is the topic under my microscopic lens today. My Advanced Oxford Dictionary defines witchcraft as “the practice of magic, especially the use of spells and the calling of evil spirits.”

As a matter of fact, the choice of topic for today's piece was necessitated by series of events I heard and witnessed, which were related to 'beyie', in the past seven days.

First, I met a friend whom I have not seen for over a decade at my alma mater's golden jubilee celebrations last weekend.

It was obvious that things weren't well with him although he tried in vain to mask it. I needn't tell you that I probed deeper to know the cause of his problems.

He indeed poured out his fears and worries because he needed help: “Charlie, it is witches and wizards that are worrying me oo! Anytime I try gathering something, 'beyiefo' 'dey' scatter 'am'.

Bro, which 'asore' haven't I been to, but to no avail. These witches and wizards are simply unstoppable,” he said.

At first I thought he was pranking because he was the chief prankster during our secondary 'sukuu' days. But his facial expression told me otherwise; he was very serious.

I promised linking him to a powerful pastor or Imam, should you recommend one to me. Wofa, 'wasempa' (the ball is now in your court).

The second was a bizarre incident which occurred at Kubease less than 48 hours ago. Eno Abena's diabolical and nocturnal activities, 'beyie' to be precise, came to light when Agya Adu and his wife woke up yester-morning, only to find her lying naked on their matrimonial bed. Her mission?

She went there to sleep with her spiritual husband, Agya Adu, as she does every night, when she met her waterloo.

Any confessions? Kweh, “ ese wani na ense wo kakyere,” meaning “it is better seen than described”. She confessed that 'beyiefo' were the cause of all the woes of residents of Kubease – poverty, marital problems, confusion among members of the 'abusua', deaths, barrenness etc.

She confessed also that they, “the beyiefo', have tried in vain to feast on the “juicy flesh” of yours truly. No wonder, 'beyiefo' have been haunting me in my dreams. Well, they can only haunt me in my dreams because my flesh is bitter than the bile of a dog.

Abusuapanin, ever heard the song 'Anyen' by one of Asomdwekrom's greatest highlife artistes, A.B. Crentsil ? If no, then please go for a copy of the tape and listen raptly to the lyrics. My favourite line loosely translates as, “ If you have 'sika', use it wisely.

And use your 'beyie' too to protect your 'nkolaa' and not destroy other people's 'nkolaa'.”

I can hear Abusuapanin asking, do 'mmrofo' too have witchcraft? My response is in the affirmative. If you doubt me, let's meet on Sunday at exactly 12 midnight so I can fly with you to 'Obroniland' to see 'beyiefo' in action. Mind you, I am not a member of the 'kayir-kayir bom-bom' society oo!

Abusuapanin, despite the alleged destructive nature of 'beyiefo', the practice of banishing fellow humans from their places of habitation to the so-called witches' camp is dehumanizing, to say the least. I wondered why all the alleged witches and wizards were old-aged, when I visited the witches' camp in the Northern Region.

I then asked myself, where are the young witches and wizards? Or is it only the aged that are allowed in the witches and wizards society?

These questions and more have sown seeds of doubt in my mind as to whether 'beyiefo' really exist. But Eno Abena's confessions too keep ringing in my mind. Na wa oo!

Abusuapanin, whether 'beyiefo' exist or not, my advice to you is to be steadfast in serving 'Onyankopon, Mawu, Allah' or however you call Him, and all weapons thrown at you shall come to naught.

Ignore my advice at the peril of your life.
See you soon!