Nkotompo, Western Region – Tensions erupted in the fishing community of Nkotompo in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis on Saturday morning after residents confronted a group of individuals suspected of engaging in ritual practices, locally referred to as sakawa.
According to eyewitnesses, about ten people, who arrived in luxury vehicles, were seen carrying a large sack to the beach and dropping it into the sea. Community members, fearing the sack contained human remains—possibly a coffin—blocked the group from leaving and demanded the object be retrieved.
“We were here this morning when these guys driving expensive vehicles arrived,” one agitated youth recounted. “They carried a sack from their vehicle and dumped it in the sea. We suspect it’s a human body. All we’re asking is for them to remove it before they leave.”
The group’s attire—white garments, printed shirts with mystical symbols, and yellow robes—fueled suspicion and heightened the standoff. Assembly Member for Nkotompo, Frederick Acheanpong, confirmed the incident, saying:
“Residents are angry. They called me this morning to report that suspected sakawa boys had dropped something into the sea. They want it removed. We are trying to calm the situation.”
Local chiefs and elders intervened, moving the group to the palace to prevent violence. The group’s leader, Lord Ackam, however, denied any involvement in ritual practices. He explained that they were members of a spiritual society called the Spiritual Scientists.
“We are a secret group known as the Spiritual Scientists,” Ackam said. “One of our members passed away, and as our rituals demand, we disposed of his belongings in the sea.” Other members claimed the sack contained only symbolic items, such as rosaries, candles, and personal effects of the deceased.
Despite these explanations, many residents remained unconvinced and continued to demand proof. To de-escalate the situation, traditional authorities handed the group over to the police for further investigation.
Law enforcement officials have not yet disclosed details about the object thrown into the sea or the status of the investigation.
The incident underscores the persistent tension between spiritual practices and public suspicion of sakawa rituals in Ghana, often sparking unrest within communities. The outcome of the police inquiry is expected to determine whether the group’s actions were cultural rites—or criminal activity.
