The Spiritual Science Society Africa has rejected a request from the traditional leadership of Nkotompo for an additional pacification fee of GHC38,500, describing the demand as unreasonable and unjustified.
It would be recalled that the incident involving the group first attracted public attention a few days ago.
Some members of the Spiritual Science Society were reportedly held hostage by residents after they were seen dropping an unidentified object into the sea.
The act, which raised suspicions of alleged occult practices, quickly attracted a large crowd of residents who demanded answers from the group.
The situation escalated when the residents insisted that the group be taken to the Nkotompo Palace for questioning.
Tension mounted as angry youth surrounded the members of the society, forcing traditional authorities to intervene.
The matter was eventually handed over to the police, who stepped in to restore calm and prevent violence.
In a press statement signed by its Director General, Lord Ackham Rebakham, the group noted that,
“We have taken a firm stance against them, as we do not find these demands reasonable, credible, or justified. Hence we are waiting for the full investigation findings or reports by the police with any further action(s).”
The society further indicated in its statement that its members had visited the St. Mary’s Boys’ SHS at Apowa, a suburb of Takoradi, to mourn a departed colleague and later performed pre-burial rites at the Nkotompo seaside.
It adds that items such as water, oils, incense, candles, rings and other regalia of the deceased were offered into the sea.
According to the statement, prior permission was not sought from the traditional authorities, which led to a misunderstanding with some residents who misinterpreted the ritual as “sakawa.”
Police later intervened to prevent unrest and took statements from the group. They were subsequently charged with alleged unlawful disposal of refuse into the sea.
The society said it was granted bail and has since cooperated with investigators.
The statement added that the group initially complied with a request from the traditional leadership by providing “two bottles of schnapps and a sum of GHC600.00 for pacification rites.”
It, however, condemned the subsequent demand for GHC38,500, which it believes has raised questions about the true intent of some traditional leaders in the community.
Lord Rebakham further cautioned against false reports, saying,
“We strongly condemn the spread of falsehood and misleading reports that seek to tarnish the image of our society. We abhor any illegal activity and remain committed to upholding the laws of Ghana while exercising our right to association and worship.”
By Eric Nana Gyetuah|ConnecFM|Takoradi
