A Fire Service officer, Mr. Thomas Dzodefe, has reportedly left the scene after a self-proclaimed prophetess, Madam Agbeyeye, allegedly threatened to jeopardise his career following a dispute concerning his wife, who was reportedly staying with the prophetess.
The incident is said to have occurred at Tadzewu in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region.
The matter came to public attention after a petition was submitted to the Duamenefa Foundation requesting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the woman’s stay with Madam Agbeyeye.
According to the petition, Madam Agbeyeye allegedly took the woman into her care on the grounds of providing spiritual guidance. The petition further claimed that the woman subsequently remained with the prophetess for an extended period, raising concerns among members of her family.
Several attempts were reportedly made by the family to resolve the matter amicably, but the efforts were said to have been unsuccessful. The family subsequently sought the intervention of the Duamenefa Foundation.
As part of its inquiry, the Foundation engaged individuals connected to the matter to hear their accounts and establish the circumstances surrounding the case.
During the inquiry, Mr. Dzodefe reportedly told the Foundation that he learnt about his wife’s whereabouts from his mother-in-law. He said he was informed that his wife was staying with Madam Agbeyeye, a situation he said he was previously unaware of.
According to his account, he subsequently approached Madam Agbeyeye to make enquiries about his wife and understand the circumstances surrounding her stay.
Mr. Dzodefe reportedly alleged that during the encounter, the self-proclaimed prophetess warned him against continuing to pursue the matter and allegedly threatened to “spoil his work” if he continued looking for his wife.
Following the alleged threat, Mr. Dzodefe reportedly left the scene instead of continuing the confrontation.
During an interaction with the Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation, Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe, Mr. Dzodefe was asked why he had not reported the alleged threat to the Ghana Police Service, particularly given his own position as a Fire Service officer.
In response, Mr. Dzodefe reportedly explained that although he had considered reporting the matter to the Police, members of his family advised him to first seek an amicable solution rather than immediately involve law enforcement.
He said he therefore followed the advice of his family and opted to pursue a family-based resolution to the matter.
The alleged threat to his employment has since become a key issue in the petition before the Duamenefa Foundation, which is examining the circumstances surrounding the woman’s stay with the prophetess and what transpired when her husband went to make enquiries.
The case has also raised broader concerns about the intersection of spiritual guidance, marital relationships and family disputes, particularly in situations where an individual remains in the care of a spiritual leader for an extended period.
The Foundation is reportedly engaging the various parties and examining their respective accounts in an effort to establish the facts and provide an avenue for the concerns raised to be addressed.
However, the allegations against Madam Agbeyeye remain unverified claims at this stage, and her response would be necessary for a complete and balanced account of the matter.
The development underscores the importance of addressing family and marital disputes through peaceful and lawful channels, particularly where allegations of threats or interference are raised.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze
Edited by Isabella Evortepe