Abuakwa Asenemaso, Ghana – The tranquil community of Abuakwa Asenemaso in the Atwima Nwabiagya South District was rocked by a horrific incident on the morning of June 17, 2024. A 55-year-old woman, Joyce Boateng, has been arrested for the brutal murder of her 76-year-old mother, Afia Sarpomaa, following allegations of witchcraft instigated by a local pastor.
The tragedy unfolded when Boateng, driven by claims from her pastor that her mother was a witch causing the family’s misfortunes, attacked and killed Sarpomaa while no one else was at home. The community was thrown into further dismay when Boateng, clad in blood-stained clothes, was spotted heading to the cemetery in an apparent suicide attempt.
Family head George Badu Gyan recounted the sequence of events to Akoma FM. “After the murder, Joyce tried to take her own life. She was seen heading to the cemetery and had bought a toxic substance from an agro-chemical shop. Fortunately, a vigilant community member intervened, preventing her from consuming the poison.”
According to Gyan, Boateng confessed to the crime at the police station, stating that two pastors, one male and one female, had convinced her that her mother was a witch. He emphasized that Boateng had no history of mental illness and is a mother of three daughters. “She doesn’t have any mental problems. She has three daughters,” Gyan affirmed.
Isaac Badu Boateng, the Assembly Member for Asenemaso, provided further details. He accompanied the police to deposit the victim’s body at the mortuary and described the shocking events of the morning. “I went to the police station after being informed of the incident around 6 am. They said she drank poison and had to be taken to the hospital. The police then took the body to the mortuary. Joyce confessed to the crime at the station.”
The Assembly Member also condemned the actions of certain pastors who exploit their influence over vulnerable individuals, leading to devastating consequences. “Most women now appear to trust their pastors more than their husbands and relatives. This tragedy is a result of a pastor telling Joyce that her mother was a witch. The media should educate some of these pastors because their misguided counsel can destroy families,” he urged.
The victim’s body has been transported to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for an autopsy as investigations continue. The community remains in shock and mourning, grappling with the senseless loss driven by superstition and manipulation.
As the police delve deeper into the case, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous consequences of unfounded witchcraft accusations and the urgent need for community education on such matters. The suspect, Joyce Boateng, remains in police custody, awaiting further legal proceedings.
