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A 17-year-old Junior High School graduate is at risk of losing his right fingers after a self-styled Pastor scalded his palm in anointing oil to prove his innocence or otherwise over missing GH¢600. The incident occurred in Adansi Nsokote, near the Ofoase Ayirebi area, which borders the Eastern and Ashanti Regions.
According to Emelia Adutwumwaa, the victim’s mother, they live with her sister-in-law in the same house in the community. Her sister-in-law, Yaa Sarfoa, accused her son, Osei Boadi Joseph, of stealing GH¢600 from her room. Despite Joseph’s repeated denials, Yaa Sarfoa insisted on bringing in the self-styled Pastor for mystical rituals to identify the suspect.
The self-styled Pastor scalded anointing oil on the floor and after incantations, asked the boy to dip his right palm into it for 15 minutes to prove his innocence. After 15 minutes, nothing happened, so the Pastor asked Joseph to remove his hand from the scalding anointing oil. However, Joseph started complaining at night that his palm and fingers had been scalded, and his condition worsened a few days after as the fingers were charred.
A report was lodged at Akyem Amantia Police station, leading to the Pastor’s arrest. However, the Assembly member intervened for his release for an amicable settlement, which was granted by the Police, leaving the suspect to walk freely.
Despite several medical interventions at a primary healthcare facility, the condition of the victim did not improve. He was taken to Oda Government Hospital on March 27, 2023, where he is receiving treatment.
The despicable incident has prevented the victim from taking steps to be admitted to a Senior High School he has been posted to. His mother has exhausted all her savings to treat her son and is unable to pay his medical bills. She is now seeking justice and financial support.
The department of social welfare has visited the victim to commence an investigation into the incident. This is a tragic situation, and it is crucial to hold the self-styled Pastor and anyone else responsible for the victim’s injuries accountable for their actions.
