Cripple arrested for swindling farmers

A 56-year old cripple, who claimed to have magical powers to heal people afflicted with all kinds of ailment, has been arrested for allegedly swindling a number of people of their money.

He has appeared before the Nkawie Circuit Court, presided over by Mr Michael Johnson Abbey, and granted GH¢10,000.00 bail.

He pleaded not guilty to the offence and was ordered to make his next appearance on February 15.

Police Chief Inspector Lawrence Hanson told the court that the complainants are traders and farmers at Srebuoso in the Atwima-Mponua District and Nkoran and Toase in the adjoining Atwima-Nwabiagya District.

He said the accused is an unlicensed herbalist and claims to come from Kabuile near Elubo.

The prosecution said in October, last year, Ackah traveled to Srebuoso, where he introduced himself to the chief as a spiritualist sent by the gods to cure people with difficult-to-treat diseases.

He was given an accommodation and started receiving patients, charging them amounts ranging between GH¢300.00 and GH¢500.00 to perform some esoteric healing rituals.

After collecting the money, he fled the town and employed the same trick to dupe other people at Nkoran and Toase.

One of the victims chanced upon him at Toase, on January 1, and caused his arrest.