Mr. Noah Klenam, the Commission For Human Rights and Administrative Justice, (CHRAJ) Officer of Akatsi South Municipal Assembly of the Volta Region, has stated that the traditional practice of Trokosi is against the Ghanaian Constitution, describing it as illegal and a violation of human rights.
He made this statement on the airwaves of Fafaa 100.3 FM during the Duamenefa Social Intervention Programme, in an interaction with Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe, the Executive President of Duamenefa Foundation. Mr. Klenam was called to educate the public on a petition from the Nutakor family, in which it was alleged that the Tormife Shrine was demanding human beings in servitude to the gods
According to Mr. Klenam, the Constitution of Ghana, particularly Article 26, clause 1 and 2 strongly opposes such acts. Article 26 clause 1 and 2 protects individuals from customary practices that injure or are harmful to a person’s physical or mental well-being. He emphasized that any shrine or person involved in Trokosi practices will face legal consequences.
He further stated that no country in the world allows such practices, making them illegal under both Ghanaian law and international human rights standards. Mr. Klenam warned that anyone who participates, witnesses, or facilitates Trokosi is committing a crime and will be prosecuted according to the law.
He added that anyone found guilty of practicing Trokosi will not be set free, because every individual deserves to live in peace. He explained that CHRAJ stands for the rights of everyone, meaning that no one should disturb another person’s rights or freedom.
Mr. Klenam commended Duamenefa Foundation for standing in the gap against this harmful act and for always giving state institutions the opportunity to educate the public. He stated that if it were not for their efforts, the Nutakor family might have nearly submitted an innocent girl to the Tormife Shrine.
He also urged the public to report any shrine or person involved in Trokosi, stating that silence or complicity is punishable by law. He stressed that the practice not only violates constitutional rights but also undermines the dignity and welfare of innocent victims. “Everyone has a right to live free from harm and exploitation,” he noted.
He reminded traditional authorities and community leaders that upholding human rights is part of their responsibility. “Shrines or individuals who force people into servitude are breaking the law, and CHRAJ will ensure they face justice,” he said, emphasizing that awareness and vigilance are key to ending the practice.
He further stated that leaders of shrines must ensure that any rituals they perform are in line with the Constitution of Ghana, so that they do not violate anyone’s rights. He urged that traditional practices should respect human dignity and the freedoms guaranteed by law.
In related developments, civil society organizations across the Volta Region have also condemned Trokosi, describing it as a violation of human rights and a threat to the welfare of young girls. Human rights activists have called on local authorities to intensify monitoring of shrines and ensure that families are educated about the illegality of sending children into servitude.
Furthermore, faith-based organizations have joined the condemnation, urging communities to embrace education and lawful alternatives instead of harmful traditional practices. They emphasized that protecting children and respecting their rights is not only a legal requirement but a moral responsibility for all Ghanaians.
Finally, Mr. Klenam encouraged families and the youth to stand against harmful practices like Trokosi. He explained that Ghana’s Constitution guarantees freedom, dignity, and personal liberty, and no one has the right to infringe on these rights. He concluded by reiterating that CHRAJ is committed to protecting human rights and ensuring that every Ghanaian can live safely and peacefully.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze.
Edited by: Isabella Emmanuella Evortepe, UEW – Fafaa 100.3 Fm