Leader of Spiritual Scientists Society clarifies events surrounding beach ritual

Following a recent incident at Nkotompo, a community in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis of the Western Region, where residents confronted a group suspected to be “Sakawa boys” performing rituals on the beach, the leader of the Spiritual Scientists Society, Lord Ackkham Rebakham, has denied reports that his group dumped a coffin or human remains into the sea.

Residents had alleged that the group threw a coffin wrapped in a sack into the water, a report by 3news.com said.

In response to these claims, Rebakham strongly refuted the allegations, clarifying that the gathering was held to perform traditional rites for a deceased member, not ritual sacrifices, as suggested.

Speaking on Sekondi-Takoradi-based Connect FM’s Omanbapa Morning Show, he clarified; “A person who belongs to our group had died, and we attended the funeral to pay our last respects. In our society, when a member dies, we have rituals we perform to bid them farewell. During initiation, each member is given apparel and altar items. We don’t burn or discard these items on land; we are mandated to present them to the sea.”

He further explained that Nkotompo was selected as the nearest accessible beach, where the group conducted prayers using soda water before placing the spiritual belongings of their deceased member into the sea, which they reverently refer to as “mother.”

Lord Ackkham Rebakham added that while they were praying in the sea, a few residents approached to question their activities.

He said the residents asked them to stay put until the arrival of their traditional leaders.

However, within moments, the area was suddenly crowded with more people.

“While praying, some residents approached to question us. They asked us to remain until their traditional leaders arrived, and soon the place was filled with people. The assembly member came, and we admitted we were wrong for not seeking permission before performing our rituals. We were then taken to the palace, where the matter was resolved,” he recounted.

He emphasised that no coffin or human remains were ever disposed off, describing the viral reports as a misunderstanding.

He further disclosed that the Spiritual Scientists Society has over 2,500 members across Ghana, including respected individuals, and firmly denied any involvement in fraudulent or criminal activities.

“We cannot throw a human body into the sea; that is not our practice. It was simply a farewell ritual for our departed brother. Our society accepts members from all walks of life. You can even belong to your church and still be a member of our group,” he said.

VKB/AE

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