Council For The Ghana National Traditional Priests Association Condemns Kwahu Murder Of A Priest

The interim executive council of the Ghana National Traditional Priests Association has released a press statement in Kumasi condemning the brutal murder of a 46 year old traditional priest and his nephew in an alleged failed get rich overnight contract and appealed to the government to conduct proper investigations into the case to unearth the truth about the whole tragic incident.

The interim executive council under the joint leadership of Okomfohene Nana Abass of the famous Medoma based shrine, the Black and White Powers and Okomfohene Nana Kwame Subun of Kudi Baa Wasabaa shrine-Kumasi, is charged with organizing and implementing the formation of an exclusive national union of traditional priests in Ghana, was formed at a recent 1st national conference at the traditional priests held at the prestigious 5 Star hotel, Golden Tulip in Kumasi.

Making the press statement, the duo expressed shock and sadness at the turn of events which led to the gruesome murder of the said traditional priest, Nana Asare Obinim of Kwahu Bisease by six suspects who are believed to be alleged victims of deceit. Quoting the Nkawkaw District Police Commander, Deputy of Superintendent, Mr. Gyabeng Manu's statement on the case which appeared in the Daily Graphic of August 2nd, 2014, the six suspects Abdul Malik,Kwame Ofosu, John Weah all 17, Kwame Isaac 19, Kwasi Alhassan 22 and Kwaku Sarpong 20 are reported to have sent GHc10,000 to Nana Obinim to turn it into GHc 100,000 which he failed to do. According to the DSP Manu, after several visits to the shrine, Nana Obinim could not turn the money into the promised magic amount. So on July 30th,2014, the victims went to Nana Obinim's residence to demand the refund of their money and a misunderstanding ensured. It is reported that it was during the exchange of hot words that Nana Obinim and his nephew, Owusu were allegedly murdered.” The full story can be accessed in the Daily Graphic of August 2nd 2014.

The interim executive council said since the case is under investigation, their statement is initially about condemning the criminal approach instead of seeking legal or otherwise approach to addressing the problem and is calling on the government to institute full investigations to feed the public with the truth. They said Ghanaians should learn to seek alternative solutions to managing conflicts instead of taking the laws unto their own hands. They said looking at the contents of the reports submitted to the police, they suspect that the so called victims might be armed robbers rather than clients. They believe that the suspects made up the stories to cover up their heinous crime and the only solution is to knowing the truth is true proper investigations.

They also appealed to all traditional priests in Ghana to come together by forming area, community and district chapters of exclusive traditional priests association for protection and to enjoy the benefits of group dynamics as well as supporting the physical, emotional and spiritual healing of our people and the community.