The Leader of the Spiritual Scientists Society, Lord Ackkham Rebakham, has refuted reports that his group dumped a coffin or human remains into the sea at Nkotompo in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis of the Western region.
His response comes after an incident in which residents of Nkotompo confronted a group suspected to be “Sakawa boys” when they were seen performing rituals at the community’s beach.
The residents alleged the group had thrown a coffin wrapped in a sack into the sea.
Speaking on the Omanbapa Morning Show with host, Nhyiraba Paa Kwesi Simpson on Connect FM, Lord Rebakham explained that the group had gathered at the beach to perform traditional rites for a deceased member, and not to engage in ritual sacrifices as reported.
“A person who belongs to our group had died and we attended the funeral to pay our last respect. In our society, when a member dies we have rituals we perform to bid the deceased final farewell,” he stated.
He continued that “during initiation, each member is given apparel and other altar items. We don’t burn or throw those things away, we are only mandated to throw them into the sea,” he indicated.
He added that the group was directed to Nkotompo as the nearest beach, where they prayed with soda water and presented the deceased member’s spiritual belongings to the sea, which they regard as “mother.”
“Whilst praying, some members of the community came around to query us on what we were doing. They asked us to stay there until their traditional leaders arrived, and soon the place was full of residents,” he explained further.
“The assembly member later came and we admitted wrongdoing for not seeking permission before performing our rituals. We were then taken to the palace where the issue was resolved,” he recounted.
Lord Rebakham stressed that at no point was a coffin or human body disposed of in the sea, describing the viral reports as a misconception.
“We cannot throw a human body into the sea , that is not our practice. It was just a misunderstanding. We only prayed for the soul of our departed brother and proceeded to dispose of his ritual items in the water,” he added.
He further disclosed that the Spiritual Scientists Society has over 2,500 members across Ghana, including respected personalities in society, and does not engage in any activity linked to fraud or other criminal activities.
“Our society accepts members from all walks of life. You can even belong to your church and still be our member,” he indicated.
Western Region: Alleged ‘Sakawa Boys’ held hostage at Nkotompo after dropping an object into the sea
By Eric Nana Gyetuah|Connect FM|Takoradi
