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March 14, 2026
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‘I feel compelled to behead people when possessed’: Ritual killer confesses
Policy
Key Points
- A fetish priest, Cudjoe Hlolary, confessed to the gruesome murder and decapitation of 41-year-old Joyce Akua Amponmaa in Ghana's Central Region.
- Hlolary claims he committed the act under an uncontrollable spiritual trance, experiencing violent urges to decapitate humans due to a malevolent spirit.
- The suspect admitted to a history of these urges, having previously struggled to suppress them and nearly harming his own brother.
- Authorities confirm the victim's body was mutilated for ritualistic purposes, with parts allegedly transported to the Volta Region, prompting police to coordinate with traditional leaders.
- The victim's family vehemently rejects the spiritual possession defense, viewing it as a calculated attempt to avoid accountability, while the community questions how the priest was allowed to operate.
Why This Matters
This tragic incident highlights persistent concerns about ritual murders and the regulation of traditional healers in Ghana, raising serious questions about public safety and accountability. It underscores the need for robust policies to scrutinize individuals operating in spiritual capacities and to ensure justice for victims, particularly when perpetrators attempt to use spiritual possession as a defense. The case also impacts societal trust in traditional practices and deepens community distress.
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