Angry mob burns down church.

An angry mob at the weekend, ransacked and burnt down the Holy Temple of Christ Church at Kronum New Site near Kumasi.

Their action stemmed from the suspicion that Pastor George Gafah, Leader of the church was responsible for the death of a sick woman, Madam Elizabeth Takyi, of Kwadaso who was sent to the church for healing. A statement from the Ashanti Regional Police Administration in Kumasi and signed by Dr Kofi Kesse Manfo, Regional Commander, said Pastor Gafah has been arrested by the police to help in their investigations.

The statement said Madam Takyi, 44, who returned from abroad recently was sent to the Church on October 16, but when her condition deteriorated, her family took her to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), on October 24. Doctors recommended that she should be sent for treatment abroad.

The statement said her family went to Pastor Gafah to demand her passport, but he said it was not with him. While searching for the passport in her room, a bottle containing a reddish concoction and a cross, were found in her bag. Madam Takyi said the pastor gave her the concoction to drink and smear on her body.

The statement said Madam Takyi died on Saturday, October 28, and the family suspected that her death was caused by the concoction. It said although Pastor Gafah denied giving Madam Takyi any concoction, five bottles of the same substance were found at the church.