Naba Yelzoya Kosom Asaga II Paramount Chief of the Nangode Traditional Area in the Nabdam district of the Upper East Region has clarified that lynching is not part of the northern tradition, regardless of the reasons behind it. He pointed out that in the southern regions, witchcraft is sometimes regarded positively and believed to bring protection and other benefits, but the emphasis in the north is not on the goodness of witchcraft.
In a recent documentary titled “THE HORRORS OF WITCHCRAFT ACCUSATION,” Naba Yelzoya Kosom Asaga II, the Paramount Chief of Nangodi Traditional Area in the Nabdam District of the Upper East Region, spoke out against the lynching of old men and women accused of witchcraft. The documentary was produced by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of ApexnewsGh.
According to the chief, the recent rise in witchcraft accusations and subsequent violence is a result of a mix of religions in the region. He condemned these acts and explained that lynchings had occurred in his traditional area, particularly in the Pelungu community, due to ignorance.
The chief acknowledged that although legally the chiefs may have done nothing wrong, they should have handled these situations more wisely. He emphasized the need to send perpetrators of violence through the proper legal channels rather than resorting to mob justice.
Naba Yelzoya Kosom Asaga II also clarified that lynching is not part of the northern tradition, regardless of the reasons behind it. He pointed out that in the southern regions, witchcraft is sometimes regarded positively and believed to bring protection and other benefits, but the emphasis in the north is not on the goodness of witchcraft.
He highlighted that traditional religions in Northern Ghana do not involve physical bloodshed or human sacrifice, as seen in other parts of the country. The Paramount Chief emphasized that respect for human life is a core value in the northern tradition.
The integration of traditional religion with Christianity and Islam in the region has led to a blurring of beliefs and practices, contributing to the rise in lynching. The chief urged traditional rulers to work hand in hand with the police and the court system to combat this issue, calling for extensive discussions and cooperation.
Expressing concern for the safety of those accused of witchcraft, the Paramount Chief shared that some individuals had fled their communities due to fear and ostracization. He stated that accusations of witchcraft should be dealt with through treatment, known as deliverance, followed by reintegrating the accused back into the community.
Naba Yelzoya Kosom Asaga II affirmed that lynching is illegal and should be condemned. He called for individuals involved in such acts to be held accountable under the law to deter further instances of this evil behavior.
The paramount chief advocated for collaboration between the police and traditional rulers to address the issue effectively. He stressed the importance of restoring and reintegrating those accused of witchcraft into society rather than banishing them, emphasizing the need for rehabilitation and support.
Meanwhile, the documentary was sponsored by MRG with support from MPEC.
Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
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