The chiefs and people of Mafi-Avakpedome in the Central Tongu District have performed cleansing and purification rites to restore the sanctity of Togbe Avakpe, the revered deity of the community, following a sacrilegious act that desecrated the land in December last year.
The rites, which began on September 29, 2025, and climaxed on Wednesday, October 2, 2025, became necessary after the killing and secret burial of a young man, Nelson Anyana, by some youth of the community.
The act, which was later uncovered through state investigations, was described as an abomination that stained the dignity of the shrine and cast a shadow over the entire Mafi area.
Togbe Awudza Adabla XV, the Avafiaga of the Mafi Traditional Area and Dufia of Mafi-Avakpedome, said the purification was both spiritual and moral renewal for the people.
“By this rite, we say Never Again! Never again should any individual or group bring such disgrace to our land, to our deity, and to our people,” he declared.
He stressed that Mafi people were peace-loving, hardworking, and law-abiding, and that prosperity could only come through farming, fishing, craftsmanship, and perseverance—not bloodshed or ritual killings.
The Chief further announced that no shrine would henceforth be erected in the community without the express consent of his palace, assuring that the traditional authority would work closely with the security agencies to clamp down on criminal acts that tarnish the image of Mafi.
Togbe Ngorgbea XIII of Mafi Vodza, who chaired the event, expressed confidence that the gods had accepted the purification rites and restored spiritual balance to the community.
He called on parents and elders to instill discipline and cultural pride in the youth to prevent them from falling prey to misguided influences.
Togbe Agbozo Daku III, the Dufia of Mafi Kumikpo condemned the growing interest of some youth in ritual practices, describing it as destructive.
“No amount of blood sacrifice can bring wealth or success. True prosperity comes from honest labour and respect for our traditions,” he said, pledging to collaborate with Togbe Awudza Adabla XV and the security agencies to intensify vigilance and education.
Zikpitor Martin Gozah, the Stoolfather, also urged the youth to channel their energy into productive ventures such as agriculture, apprenticeship, and education.
He appealed to religious and opinion leaders to support traditional authorities in sensitising the youth on the dangers of ritual killings and the need to uphold peace and dignity.
The rites, marked with traditional rituals, prayers and communal activities, reaffirmed the people’s cultural values and commitment to peace and unity.
The ceremony also formed part of broader efforts by traditional leaders in Tongu to safeguard the youth from harmful practices, restore the reputation of their communities, and strengthen collaboration with state authorities in maintaining law, order, and development.
Background
The death of Nelson Anyana, a 28-year-old mason, suspected to be ritual murder, shocked the Central Tongu District in December 2024.
His disappearance was reported by his mother after he failed to return home, having last been seen with his girlfriend, Augustina Fiawoyife.
Police investigations revealed that the crime was allegedly orchestrated by Wisdom Hedidor, who was reportedly jealous of Anyana’s relationship.
A fetish priest was said to have demanded a human body for rituals in exchange for GH¢7,000, leading to the killing and secret burial of the young man.
Homicide detectives later exhumed Anyana’s body from a shrine at Gblorkope as well as other human remains at a shrine in Mafi Awakpedome.
Six people were arrested in connection with the incident, which sparked public outrage, drew national attention.
Source: GNA
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