An Accra Circuit Court has convicted a 35-year-old spiritualist for defrauding a man of GH¢95,100 under the false promise of helping him secure a chieftaincy title in Ntotroso, in a case that underscores the persistent threat of spiritual fraud schemes in Ghana.
The convict, identified as Nana Adwoa Yamoah, pleaded guilty to multiple charges including defrauding by false pretence, operating without registration and practising without a licence. The presiding judge, Mr Dennis Eyram Fumey, convicted her on her own plea, with sentencing deferred pending further procedures including a pregnancy test requested by the prosecution.
According to court proceedings, the complainant, Douglas Abu, an unemployed resident of Ntotroso, was introduced to the spiritualist in 2025 through a mutual acquaintance. The convict allegedly presented herself as someone with the spiritual and traditional influence required to secure chieftaincy positions, claiming she had successfully helped others attain similar titles.
Yamoah reportedly convinced Abu that she had connections to powerful traditional authorities, including the Asantehene, and assured him that he would be enstooled as chief by January, despite the existence of a rival claimant to the position.
On the strength of these claims, she collected various sums of money from the victim, amounting to GH¢95,100. The court further heard that she also took an additional GH¢51,000 under the pretext of “doubling” the money through spiritual means, a promise that never materialised.
In a further attempt to sustain the deception, Yamoah persuaded the complainant to travel with her to the Republic of Benin for what she described as spiritual fortification rituals. However, no such rituals were performed, raising suspicion in the mind of the victim upon their return to Ghana.
When Abu demanded a refund, the convict failed to repay the money, prompting him to report the matter to the police. She was subsequently arrested on March 9, 2026, and during investigations, she reportedly pleaded for time to refund the amount but failed to do so.
Further investigations revealed that the spiritualist had not registered her practice with the Traditional Medicine Practice Council, a legal requirement for such activities in Ghana. Authorities also indicated that she may have used similar methods to defraud other individuals, pointing to a possible pattern of fraudulent conduct.
The case adds to a growing number of prosecutions involving individuals exploiting spiritual or religious claims to defraud unsuspecting victims. In recent years, Ghanaian courts have dealt with several high-profile cases involving so-called spiritualists and religious figures accused of using deception to extort money, often targeting vulnerable individuals seeking solutions to personal or social challenges.
Legal analysts say such cases highlight the need for stronger public awareness and enforcement of regulations governing spiritual and traditional practices. While belief systems remain deeply embedded in society, authorities continue to caution against individuals who exploit these beliefs for financial gain.
The court is expected to deliver sentencing after the prosecution completes the required procedures, with the case serving as another warning against fraudulent schemes disguised as spiritual intervention.