A young girl has reportedly died following the use of an alleged charm intended to prevent her father from marrying another woman, sparking shock and concern in the community. The incident, which raises questions about the dangers of traditional rituals and superstition, is currently under investigation by the Duamenefa Foundation.
The matter came to light when Mr. Ali Mammah from Avadre Community in the Akatsi District of the Volta Region petitioned the Duamenefa Foundation, reporting that his daughter was seriously ill. According to Mr. Mammah, upon consulting an oracle, it was revealed that his daughter’s sickness was allegedly caused by her own mother, Mad. Ete Fometu from Avadre.
He stated that he summoned his wife before the traditional ruler of Avadre for investigation. During the inquiry, she reportedly admitted that she had obtained a spiritual charm from a fetish priest and buried it at the entrance of her husband’s home. The purpose of the charm, she allegedly confessed, was to prevent her husband from marrying another woman.
Mr. Mammah explained that following the burial of the charm, their daughter fell seriously ill, allegedly as a direct consequence of the spiritual intervention. The traditional ruler reportedly instructed both the mother and the fetish priest to remove the charm immediately to save the life of the innocent girl, however, both Mad. Ete Fometu and the fetish priest refused to comply with the directive, prompting Mr. Mammah to petition the Duamenefa Foundation to intervene and conduct an investigation. The Foundation immediately took up the petition and began investigations to save the girl, but unfortunately, the innocent child had already passed away before any action could be completed.
The incident has sparked public outcry, with many condemning the use of spiritual charms and traditional rituals in ways that can harm children. On behalf of the Duamenefa Foundation, Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe sent a message of condolences to the family for this unfortunate loss and prayed that God would intervene in their lives to bring comfort and healing.
Mr. Ketaman also advised the public not to wait until someone has suffered for a long time in spiritual matters before petitioning the Duamenefa Foundation for investigation. He warned that delays in reporting can be fatal, as some victims may lose their lives after prolonged suffering while on the sickbed.
In a stern warning, Mr. Ketaman urged the public, specifically those who possess juju powers and use them to cause suffering to others, to stop and repent. He cautioned that by God’s intervention, the Duamenefa Foundation will expose and bring such individuals to light if they continue their harmful practices.
The Duamenefa Foundation has appealed to the public to exercise caution, report suspicious activities to the DOVSU or Social Welfare and engage the authorities or trusted organizations when dealing with spiritual or family disputes. The Foundation further emphasized its commitment to protecting children and ensuring that petitions relating to the welfare of minors are thoroughly investigated. Officials urged community members to prioritize the safety and well-being of children over personal conflicts or disputes.
Community leaders have expressed concern over the increasing reliance on spiritual charms in resolving domestic issues, warning that such practices can have devastating consequences, particularly for children. They urged families to seek peaceful and lawful solutions to marital disputes rather than resorting to dangerous rituals.
Psychologists and child welfare experts have also weighed in, highlighting the psychological and physical risks posed by such harmful spiritual interventions. They called for greater public awareness campaigns to educate families about the dangers of using charms or traditional spells to manipulate family relationships.
Meanwhile, the Duamenefa Foundation has reiterated its role in investigating petitions involving children and vulnerable persons, emphasizing that swift intervention can save lives. The Foundation encouraged members of the public to report any suspected cases of harmful spiritual practices affecting children so that prompt action can be taken.
By Hutor Dziwornu
Editorial lead: Isabella E. Evortepe