The message a 'small boy' left for Acheampong before his overthrow

In the waning days of former President Ignatius Kutu Acheampong’s rule, a series of uncanny events foreshadowed the coup that would eventually topple his regime in July 1978.

Among these, a peculiar incident involving a young boy stands out as a chilling prelude to Acheampong's downfall.

During an interview with Kafui Dey on the YouTube series “45 Years On: Memories of Ghana 1979,” Retired Captain Joel Sowu recounted how a small boy warned Acheampong of his imminent betrayal shortly after an eerie prophecy delivered by a prophetess.

According to Capt. Sowu, the prophetess had already warned Acheampong that he would be betrayed by those closest to him.

Despite the gravity of her prophecy, Acheampong’s inner circle dismissed her warnings.

“The prophetess told Acheampong on a particular day not to go to work,” Capt. Sowu revealed.

Her warnings, however, fell on deaf ears, overshadowed by the dismissive attitudes of Acheampong's advisers.

On the fateful day, as Acheampong prepared to head to work, a young boy arrived at Burma Camp, claiming to be a messenger of God.

The boy’s urgency and seriousness were palpable, but his youth and unexpected presence caused the soldiers to question his credibility.

“The people thought the small boy had smoked weed,” Capt. Sowu recounted.

Yet, the boy’s message was clear “Acheampong should not leave the house.”

Ignoring the boy’s warning, Acheampong left his residence and, as the prophecy had foretold, never returned.

NAY/ADG