Fetish priest flees Ankobra River shrine amid anti-galamsey operation

A fetish priest who was performing rituals at a shrine along the banks of River Ankobra in the Western Region fled upon seeing personnel from the Western Regional National Security and the Western Naval Command on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

According to a report by 3news.com, while inspecting makeshift structures along the riverbank, the team discovered a shrine dedicated to Maame Wata, known locally as Togbe Nana Benin.

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"In a striking turn of events, the fetish priest attending the shrine abandoned his post upon seeing the security officers, fleeing the scene without any attempt to use the spiritual powers he was believed to possess", the report said.

Ritual items were found at the shrine, including two sheep, a fowl and instructions for sacrifices.

A naval officer noted, “This room is for the mallam or juju man. You’ve escaped, but next time, we expect you here. We answer only to God.”

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Meanwhile, the Western Regional Anti-galamsey Task Force has reaffirmed its commitment to fighting illegal mining, stressing that no amount of intimidation or black magic ‘juju' will halt their operations.

JKB/

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