Hot!
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
Firefighters from the Upper West Regional Command have responded to a vehicular incident involving a long vehicle carrying 35 Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC totes) reportedly containing hydrogen peroxide at Goriyiri in the Nadowli-Kaleo District.
The five-member crew, led by ASTNO Balagee, reported to the scene where a fire and an explosion had reportedly occurred.
The firefighters assessed the scene, identified the chemical hazards and implemented appropriate response measures, bringing the situation under control.
The driver reportedly sustained severe chemical burns and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, spokesperson to NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has called on the government and Parliament to undertake major reforms in Ghana’s prison system, including the construction of a dedicated prison hospital and the introduction of regulated conjugal visits.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Dr Boakye-Danquah shared Chairman Wontumi’s observations and recommendations following his remand on July 20, 2026.
According to the statement, Chairman Wontumi’s experience in prison has given him the opportunity to interact with prison officers and inmates and observe the challenges facing the Ghana Prisons Service.
The statement noted that the NPP chairman believes the correctional system must move beyond punishment to focus on rehabilitation, welfare and productivity.
One of his major concerns is the lack of dedicated, well-equipped prison hospitals, ambulances and standby generators in several prison facilities.
Dr Boakye-Danquah said Chairman Wontumi had raised concerns about the difficulties in providing medical care to seriously ill inmates, including those suffering from tuberculosis.
He is therefore calling for the construction of a modern prison hospital to serve facilities across the country. In the interim, he has proposed emergency arrangements with the 37 Military Hospital and the Police Hospital.
On the welfare of prison officers, Chairman Wontumi has urged the government to review their salaries, accommodation and conditions of service.
He has also called for proper classification of inmates, arguing that minor offenders should not be housed alongside armed robbery convicts and that persons facing trial for serious offences, including treason and terrorism, should be appropriately separated from other inmates.
The statement further highlighted concerns about the need for counselling and behavioural support for young inmates, particularly those serving sentences for defilement-related offences.
Chairman Wontumi has also called for a clear policy on the classification and management of LGBTQI+ inmates within the prison system.
On family relationships, he has proposed the creation of designated private areas where prisoners can receive visits from their spouses and children.
He believes regulated conjugal visits could help preserve marriages, reduce tension among inmates and support rehabilitation.
“The prisoner is the one in prison, not the children or spouse,” the statement noted, explaining his position on the need to protect family relationships during incarceration.
Chairman Wontumi has appealed to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to support prison farms with the necessary equipment to improve food production.
According to the statement, the Ghana Prisons Service has access to vast lands and skilled labour but faces a shortage of agricultural equipment, with only one tractor reportedly available for farming and garbage-related activities.
He has further proposed greater collaboration between prison authorities and the justice sector, suggesting that regional prison commanders should be included in relevant discussions because of their knowledge of prison conditions and inmate rehabilitation.
On infrastructure, Chairman Wontumi has called on the government and private sector to invest in modern prison facilities and factories, arguing that the system has seen limited structural improvements over the years.
Appeal to Parliament
Dr Boakye-Danquah said Chairman Wontumi had made a special appeal to Parliament to lead efforts towards comprehensive prison reform.
He is urging the Speaker of Parliament to initiate discussions on prison conditions as a human rights and national development issue.
He has also called on the Majority and Minority caucuses to work together to pass a new Prison Reform Act and approve funding for a dedicated prison hospital, ambulance services, standby generators and agricultural equipment.
Additionally, he wants the Parliamentary Select Committees on Defence and Interior, Health, and Food and Agriculture to undertake working visits to prisons across the country to assess conditions firsthand.
According to the statement, Chairman Wontumi believes bipartisan cooperation between the Majority and Minority caucuses is necessary to secure the legal and financial reforms required to improve the prison system.
He has called for broader prison reforms across Africa, expressing hope that Ghana could lead the continent in improving correctional facilities.
Reflecting on his experience since July 20, Chairman Wontumi stated: “At this experience since July 20th till date, prison doesn’t reform as it should be. I pray that the entire Africa will learn from Ghana.”
The statement added that Chairman Wontumi remained in high spirits.
By: Jacob Aggrey
