Joseph Ameyibor, Ketu North CHRAJ Boss at the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), has declared that the invocation of the ‘wrath of the gods’ to punish or intimidate individuals is unconstitutional and contrary to Ghana’s laws.
He made this statement on the airwaves of Fafaa 100.3 FM during the Duamenefa Social Intervention Programme in an interaction with Mr. Emmanuel Ketaman Evortepe. Mr. Ameyibor was invited to educate the public following allegations of a chieftaincy dispute within the Dzonyrah family at Akame, where parties involved reportedly invoked the wrath of the gods.
Reports indicate that Torbokor Kormivi Midekor allegedly invoked the wrath of the gods at the Nogokpo Shrine after he and others were accused of planning a shooting incident and allegedly possessing firearms in their room. The matter was reported to the police, leading to their arrest, investigation, and prosecution in court. However, the court later ruled that they were not guilty, and they were subsequently discharged.
Despite the court’s ruling in his favour, Torbokor Kormivi Midekor reportedly proceeded to the shrine, insisting he was not satisfied and wanted the “truth to come out.” When questioned during the programme as to why he resorted to the shrine after being cleared by the court, he reportedly stated that he was not at peace in his mind. Asked further why he did not sue those who made the allegations against him, he said he does not believe in pursuing court cases and preferred seeking redress at the shrine.
The discussion also revealed that a senior police officer, Chief Inspector Paul Nuaku, who is said to be the petitioner to the Duamenefa Foundation, was accused of similarly invoking the wrath of the gods at the same shrine. When questioned, he reportedly admitted performing the act but stated it was done under duress, explaining that he felt compelled to do so before leaving the shrine premises. He indicated that he used alcohol and called on the gods to punish him if the allegations he made concerning the alleged firearms were untrue.
Addressing the matter, Mr. Ameyibor emphasized that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of worship, that right does not permit anyone to invoke curses or the wrath of the gods against another person. According to him, using religious or traditional beliefs to threaten, intimidate, or punish others is against the law and carries legal consequences.
He further warned that any shrine found to be engaging in such activities by allowing individuals to invoke the wrath of the gods on others could be shut down following investigations. He added that persons involved in such acts would be apprehended by the police and made to face the full rigours of the law.
According to the petition received, there have already been reports of mysterious deaths within the Dzonyrah family, which have allegedly been linked to the invocation of the gods in the ongoing dispute.
Mr. Ameyibor further cautioned that resorting to spiritual threats in the settlement of disputes undermines public confidence in the judicial system and weakens the rule of law. He noted that when individuals ignore court rulings and turn to shrines for spiritual enforcement, it creates fear, tension, and potential instability within communities.
He also called on traditional leaders, opinion leaders, and religious authorities to play active roles in educating their followers on the constitutional limits of traditional practices. According to him, customs and beliefs must operate within the framework of the national laws, stressing that cultural practices cannot override the 1992 Constitution of Republic of Ghana
The CHRAJ Boss encouraged members of the Dzonyrah family and the broader Akame community to embrace dialogue, mediation, and lawful dispute resolution mechanisms to prevent further escalation. He assured the public that CHRAJ remains committed to promoting human rights, administrative justice, and peaceful coexistence in Ketu North and beyond.
This is a developing story. The Duamenefa Foundation has indicated that it will continue its investigations into the matter. The public is advised to stay tuned for more updates as further details unfold.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze.
Edited by: Isabella Emmanuella Evortepe UEW- Fafaa100.3 Fm