Two self-styled prophets operating in Tegbi community of the Keta Municipality, Volta Region have been ordered to stop all church activities. They were accused of allegedly defrauding an 81-year-old woman, Madam Vicentia Ekuenyedzi. The petition filed by Pastor Amuzu John Miller, was brought before the Duamenefa Social Intervention program for investigation and intervention
According to the petitioner, the two prophets—Prophet Eric Amakwa and Prophet Akora Nyame of Power Revelation Church in Tegbi—allegedly collected GHC 4,600 from Madam Ekuenyedzi under the pretext of healing her painful leg and removing a supposed charm believed to be buried in her compound. Despite receiving the money, the promised healing and spiritual intervention never materialized.
The Duamenefa Foundation launched its investigation and began contacting the parties involved. During a telephone interaction on Fafaa 100.3 Fm, between the Executive President of the Foundation, Mr. Ketaman Evortepe Emmanuel, one of the accused prophets reportedly responded rudely, saying, “You are not serious in life,” before hanging up and claiming he was conducting a church service.
Following this, the Duamenefa Foundation quickly engaged key stakeholders in the Tegbi community, including:
– Torgbui Gawu V, Divisional Chief of Tegbi
– Tegbi Local Council of Churches, chaired by Rev. James Adzika
– Hon. Anthonio Shugah, Assembly Member for the area
All the stakeholders expressed concern and condemned the activities of the prophets, describing their actions as contrary to Ghana’s laws and the accepted norms governing religious practice. Torgbui Gawu V, revealed that he had earlier received complaints from residents about the alleged fraudulent operations and urged the local council of churches to intervene. Hon. Shugah also confirmed that the prophets’ actions were unlawful and that steps had already been taken to halt their operations.
On Wednesday,a day after the Duamenefa Foundation began its investigations, the Tegbi Local Council of Churches issued an official letter ordering the two prophets to immediately cease all church activities in the community. The directive was issued under the authority of Torgbui Gawu V, and was signed by the secretary to the Local Council of Churches, Rev. Precious Afedomezi.
In response to the swift intervention, The Executive President of Duamenefa Foundation expressed deep appreciation to the community stakeholders for standing firm to protect residents and for supporting efforts to curb fraudulent spiritual practices.
He also used the opportunity to educate the public on the dangers and legal consequences of such alleged activities by self-proclaimed prophets. According to him, “Taking money from someone under the impression that they will receive healing, spiritual results, or any benefit that is untrue is called “defrauding by false pretence.” He stressed that under Ghanaian law, this is a criminal offence and a second-degree felony, punishable by not less than 10 -25 years imprisonment. He advised those involved in such practices to repent and desist immediately.
Following these developments, the public is now openly questioning who is truly ‘serious in life’—the Duamenefa Foundation or the self-proclaimed prophets—since the law has spoken clearly. Many community members say Duamenefa Foundation only acted in accordance with the law, while the prophets must now explain whether they understood the implications of their actions.
The Duamenefa Foundation continues to monitor the matter as investigations unfold.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze