By Daniel Agbesi Latsu, GNA
Kadjebi (O/R), Oct. 21, GNA – Justice Berina Komla, a 19-year-old resident of Dodi-Kpomkpa in the Kadjebi District, who was struck dead by lightning has been laid to rest after spiritual rituals were performed by a fetish priest from Dayi Kwanta in Togo.
After the rites were completed, the Environmental Health Officer of the Dodi-Papase community was contacted to facilitate a suitable burial site in line with public health and sanitation protocols.
The young man tragically lost his life around 1345hours on Friday, October 17, when he was struck by lightning while uprooting a palm tree on farmland near Dodi-Papase.
Eyewitnesses and family members reported that the weather at the time showed no signs of rainfall or thunderstorms, sparking suspicions of spiritual involvement in the incident.
In adherence to traditional customs, the fetish priest believed to be the custodian of the thunder god, Zakadza, was invited from Dayi Kwanta in Togo.
He arrived in Dodi-Papase around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, and performed the required spiritual/traditional rites to pave the way for burial.
A traditional ruler, who disclosed these to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on condition of anonymity, revealed that the same priest had previously been consulted by one Akos Anago, a sibling of the deceased over a theft of her GH¢600.00.
After suspects, including the deceased brother had denied any involvement of the theft, she allegedly sought the intervention of the Zakadza shrine in Dayi Kwanta.
According to the source, the thunder god allegedly identified Justice Berina Komla as the culprit, ultimately resulting in the lightning strike that claimed his life.
Efforts by GNA to reach Ms Anago, for comment were unsuccessful, as her phone line was unreachable.
The incident has stirred fear and widespread discussion across the local communities, with many residents advocating for stronger communal unity, adherence to traditional systems of conflict resolution, and deeper respect for spiritual and cultural customs.
As the community mourns, friends and relatives are left struggling to come to terms with the sudden and mysterious loss of a beloved young man.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah