An Accra Circuit Court has convicted a 35-year-old spiritualist, Nana Adwoa Yamoah, for defrauding a man of GH¢95,100 under the pretext of helping him secure a chieftaincy title in Ntotroso.
Yamoah pleaded guilty to all charges, including operating without registration and practising without a licence, leading the presiding Judge, Mr Dennis Eyram Fumey, to convict her based on her own admission. Sentencing has been deferred to March 26, 2026, pending a pregnancy test requested by the court.
The court heard that the complainant, Mr Douglas Abu, an unemployed resident of Ntotroso, was introduced to Yamoah in 2025 by a witness, Grace Fosua. Yamoah allegedly claimed strong spiritual connections, including links to the Asantehene, and promised to help Abu become a chief by January, despite competition for the stool.
In pursuit of this promise, Abu paid her GH¢95,100 in various instalments. Yamoah also allegedly took GH¢51,000 with the claim of doubling the money—a ritual that never materialised. She later persuaded Abu to travel with her to the Republic of Benin for spiritual fortification, but no ceremonies were conducted. Suspicious, Abu demanded a refund, which she failed to provide, prompting a police investigation.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Augustine Kingsley Oppong revealed that further inquiries showed Yamoah had not registered with the Traditional Medicine Practice Council and had allegedly used similar methods to defraud other victims. She was arrested on March 9, 2026, and remanded in police custody.
The case serves as a stark warning to Ghanaians about the growing number of unregistered spiritual practitioners exploiting individuals with promises of chieftaincy titles or wealth. Authorities urge citizens to verify credentials and report suspicious activities to prevent falling victim to such schemes.
