According to a recent documentary, titled “The Horrors of Witchcraft Accusation,” Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, the Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area in the Upper East Region, has made a resolute stand against unfounded witchcraft accusations and lynching within the community.
The documentary was produced by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of ApexnewsGh as a campaign against such inhumane and condemnable act.
As a community leader, Tongraan emphasized that the Talensi Traditional Area strongly opposes baseless allegations of witchcraft or wizardry and the subsequent trial by ordeal or lynching of individuals accused.
He firmly stated that such actions are not acceptable in Talensi and that the traditional council has strict instructions to punish chiefs who allow these practices. Tongraan emphasized that accusations of witchcraft should not be brought to the chief without solid evidence, and any chief who tries to handle such cases would be in violation of Talensi’s rules. The traditional council vehemently opposes lynching and ensures that those who engage in it face legal consequences.
Tongraan clarified that if someone is accused of witchcraft, the matter is immediately dismissed, and the person making the accusation is advised to seek legal recourse through the court system if they so desire. He stressed that trying accused individuals through divisional or sub-chiefs is unacceptable. Any information regarding such practices is swiftly acted upon by the traditional council, resulting in the banishment of those involved and subsequent legal actions taken against them.
When asked about his belief in witchcraft, Tongraan acknowledged the existence of supernatural forces in various forms. However, he did not explicitly state his personal beliefs regarding witchcraft. He highlighted that the perception that being old automatically makes someone a witch is incorrect and a wrongful stereotype. Tongraan emphasized that everyone will grow old eventually and that age should not be a basis for accusations or mistreatment.
Although the Talensi Traditional Area has a history of witchcraft accusations and resulting casualties, Tongraan’s firm stance aims to put an end to these harmful practices within the community. By actively confronting unfounded allegations and promoting legal recourse, he seeks to eliminate the stigma and violence associated with witchcraft accusations in Talensi.
The documentary was sponsored by MRG with support from MPEC.
Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
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