Family demands justice for man lynched over witchcraft allegations in Kpandai

The family of a 33-year-old man allegedly killed over accusations of witchcraft at Tengelento Buradeni in the Kpandai District of the Northern Region is calling for swift police action and justice.

The deceased, Nteja Ibotul, is said to have been attacked on April 15, 2026, following claims that he had spiritually caused the death of an elderly member of the community.

According to the family, a soothsayer invited during funeral rites accused Ibotul of being responsible for the death, escalating tensions and forcing him to flee the area.

While attempting to leave the community, he was reportedly attacked by unidentified assailants who inflicted severe head injuries and abandoned him by the roadside.

He was rushed to the Kpandai District Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. His body has since been deposited at the ECG Hospital morgue pending investigations.

The Assembly Member for the area, Joshua, who confirmed the incident, said he initially received information suggesting a road accident.

“I had a call from someone reporting a lifeless body on the road. We rushed to the scene but realised it was not an accident. The victim was sent to the Kpandai District Hospital, where he passed,” he said.

The family has expressed frustration over what it describes as delays in police action nearly two weeks after the incident.

A relative said that before his death, Ibotul mentioned five individuals as his attackers and their names were later submitted to the police to assist investigations.

“Since then, we have not heard anything from the police,” the relative said, raising concerns that the case could be abandoned.

However, the police maintain that the family has not fully cooperated with investigators to ensure a speedy probe, particularly in relation to arrangements for a post mortem examination.

According to the police, delays in helping to identify suspects named in statements are also affecting efforts to make arrests.

They added that although intelligence-led efforts are ongoing, arrests cannot be made without proper identification of suspects and sufficient evidence for prosecution.

The District Chief Executive for Kpandai, Haruna Abdul-Karim, who also chairs the District Security Council, condemned the incident and described it as a criminal act that must be thoroughly investigated.

“Crime has no place in our society. What happened is purely murder under the laws of Ghana, and anyone found culpable must be prosecuted,” he said.

Mr Abdul Karim urged the police to intensify investigations and appealed to residents to provide credible information to support the process.

He also called on individuals mentioned in connection with the case to report to the police and assured that the District Security Council would support law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties without fear or compromise.