Hundreds consult Antoa despite sanctum raid

Hundreds of people continue to queue to consult the dreaded river god known as Antoa Nyama in the Kwabre East district of the Ashanti Region despite the theft of one of the shrine’s deities – ‘puduo.’

Class News’ Ashanti Regional correspondent Frank Jackson reported Thursday that the patrons of the shrine have not come to terms with the recent raiding of the deity’s sanctum by suspected robbers.

According to him, the patrons, who thronged the shrine, were waiting for the custodians of the deity to explain what happened as far as the thievery incident was concerned.

Chief linguist Nana Opoku Osei, speaking to Class News, said the theft has come as a surprise to them because the deity is forbidden from public view.

He said anyone that looks at the deity, according to tradition, will go blind, therefore, people who have lived in Antoa for decades have never set eyes on it nor even stood at the doorway that leads to the sanctum.

Mr Opoku Osei said authorities at the shrine got to know of the theft two weeks ago.

Six people in charge of the sanctum were arrested by the police in connection with the theft, but have been granted police enquiry bail to assist with investigations.