A disturbing report from the Agortime-Ziope District in the Volta Region has sparked concern, following allegations that a traditional shrine is demanding two virgin girls as part of rituals to pacify the gods.
The development emerged after Torgbui Torkpo Agbodemegbe III, Divisional Chief of Ahekpi, petitioned the Duamenefa Foundation to investigate and intervene in what he describes as a troubling traditional dispute involving the Agama Shrine at Afife.
According to the petition, the shrine is demanding two “fresh virgin girls” to serve the gods, following an invocation by a woman identified as Mamaa Havor, which is alleged to have led to the deaths of three members of the chief’s extended family.
A report by Dzodze-based Fafaa 100.3 FM indicates that the situation has delayed the burial of two deceased persons, whose bodies have remained in the morgue for the past three months, as elders and family members struggle to resolve the impasse.
Torgbui Agbodemegbe III explained that the matter dates back about nine to ten years, when a provision store belonging to Mamaa Havor was mysteriously set ablaze.
Distraught by the incident, she reportedly invoked the wrath of the gods at the Afife shrine, where Torgbui Agamah serves as priest.
Following the invocation, a series of tragic events reportedly unfolded within the family.
One Mr. Dziwornu, a relative of Mamaa Havor, died and was buried in accordance with customary rites.
Two others — Mr. Sitsope and Mr. Francis — later died, but their remains are yet to be buried due to pending ritual requirements.
The situation reportedly escalated when Mr. Francis, shortly before his death, confessed that he had knowledge of those responsible for the fire but failed to inform the family.
He allegedly named his brother Sitsope and Mr. Dziwornu as those behind the act. He died shortly after making the disclosure.
Following his death, the family engaged Mamaa Havor in discussions to resolve the matter.
She initially demanded GH¢10,000 as compensation, but both parties later agreed on GH¢5,000.
The family subsequently approached the shrine to seek guidance on the required pacification rites.
However, according to Torgbui Agbodemegbe III, the shrine priest insisted that a human being must be presented to serve the gods before any other items would be accepted.
Despite appeals from the family to reconsider, the priest reportedly maintained the demand, which was said to have been supported by a family member identified as Mr. Kove.
The unresolved demand remains the central issue preventing a final resolution.
As a result, the bodies of the two deceased persons remain in the morgue, with the family unable to proceed with burial rites amid fears of further misfortune.
The standoff has generated anxiety among residents, with some expressing concern over potential spiritual repercussions, while others have called for intervention by authorities to ensure public safety and protect fundamental human rights.
Religious leaders and civil society groups have urged dialogue among all parties — including the family, traditional authorities, and the shrine priest — to find a peaceful and culturally appropriate resolution.
The allegations were contained in a petition addressed to the Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation and CEO of Fafaa 100.3 FM, Mr. Emmanuel Ketaman Evortepe.
The Foundation has since initiated investigations into the matter and is engaging relevant stakeholders.
