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No burial for man who died of suicide…Traditional Council declares
As custom and tradition in some parts of Ghana frown on “disgraceful deaths” such as suicide, the Apremdo Traditional Council in the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipality of the Western Region, has vehemently kicked against the burial of a 33-year-old returnee who died of or committed suicide after killing his mother-in-law with a gun.
The deceased, Mr. Emmanuel Kwofie, who returned from Spain shot and killed Madam Elizabeth Nkrumah, 66, on August 15, 2021, at Apremdo.
The collective decision taken by the Chiefs and elders in the traditional area is to serve as a deterrent to those who may be contemplating embarking on such ignominious act.
Confirming the story to The Spectator, the Divisional Chief of Apremdo, Nana Egya Kwamina XI,explained that the nature of Kwofie’s death was an abomination and not in tune with customs and traditions of the land.
He added that the decision of the chiefs to debar Kwofie’s family from burying the corpse at the communitycemetery was to serve as a strong warning to others.
“Yes, it was a collective decision that was taken on August 16, because we deem the act as an abomination, and if nothing is done,others willfollow suit.We need to take this drastic decision to serve as a lesson to others not to go on that path.” Nana Kwamina told The Spectator.
The chief said, the family of the deceased had been notified about the palace’s decision and hoped that they would abide by it.
He, however, assured that if the family appealed to the palace, the chiefs and elders would sit to reconsider the matter, saying “we are all human.”
Nana Kwamina added that, if there were any explanations, that could also be considered and put the matter to rest.
“Because of greed, there’s so much violence in our communities, and we need to take disciplinary action to maintain social cohesion and not feuds in families and the community. We must maintain calm and restore peace for our collective good and development.” he stressed.
It is recalled that Emmanuel Kwofie, 33, killed his mother – in- law, Elizabeth Nkrumah, 66, and, later, shot himself with a single barrel gun, on Sunday, August 15, 2021.
The Police Public Affairs Officer,Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Olivia Ewurabena Adiku said, at about 9:40pm, on that day, Kwofie rushed to House Number 101/2 – Apremdo, with a single barrel gun and shot Elizabeth Nkrumah, on the left thigh.
She explained that, initial investigations revealed that the deceased (Kwofie) and Dora Nkrumah, had been in a relationship for the past 10 years and even had a boy aged, about eight years.
DSP Adiku said that, about three years ago, Kwofie left for Spain for greener pastures and on his return, found that,Dora Nkrumah, whose marriage rites he had not performed had taken another man .
“According to the complainant, the deceased(Kwofie) was not remitting her whilst he was in Spain so she had no option but to go in for another man.” she added.
From Clement Adzei Boye, Apremdo
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
