An archaeologist, Wazi Apoh, has dismissed as false claims circulating on social media linking his research to a narrative suggesting that Mother Mary spent 40 years in Agbenoxoe, a community in Kpando.
In a press statement issued in Ho on April 27, 2026, Prof. Apoh described the claim as “inaccurate” and “outrageous,” distancing himself from the widely shared assertion.
According to him, the misinformation stemmed from a viral video in which a tour guide, identified as a watchman at the Volta Regional Museum, allegedly made the claim while referencing a research poster displayed at the facility.
Prof. Apoh clarified that his research work in the Agbenoxoe community, which dates back to 1996, has never uncovered or documented any such account.
“I have neither written nor published any claim that suggests Mother Mary lived in Agbenoxoe,” he stressed, adding that there is no basis for associating his academic work with the narrative.
The professor further revealed that he has formally notified the Acting Executive Director of the museum, Essel Blankson, and the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie, over what he describes as a defamatory misrepresentation.
He has also requested that both the Ministry and the museum issue a public statement to correct the misinformation and clear his name.
Prof. Apoh is demanding the immediate removal of all social media posts linking him to the claim and has urged individuals and platforms to delete such content without delay.
He cautioned that failure to comply will leave him with no option but to pursue legal action against those responsible for spreading the false information.
Wazi Apoh is a leading figure in African archaeology and currently serves as a professor and dean at the University of Ghana, Legon. He is widely known for his research on the history and heritage of the Volta Region and his advocacy for cultural preservation.
Read the statement below:
PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CLARIFICATION ON INACCURATE SOCIAL MEDIA CLAIMS LINKING PROF. WAZI APOH TO FABRICATED NARRATIVE
HO, GHANA, 27th April, 2026 – I, Prof. Wazi Apoh, Archaeologist, have had my attention drawn to an inaccurate social media post circulating online. The post falsely links my research poster displayed at the Volta Regional Museum, Ho, to an alleged claim that “Mother Mary spent 40 years in Agbenoxoe; a town in Kpando.”
This misinformation originated from a video featuring a tour guide – identified as a watchman at the Volta Regional Museum – who made that assertion.
Let me state emphatically and for the record:
My research conducted in the Agbenoxoe Community from 1996 to date has never revealed any mention of this outrageous and false narrative. I have neither documented, written, nor published any such claim anywhere that would justify linking my name to this story.
I have officially notified the following authorities about this defamatory misrepresentation:
• Mr. Essel Blankson, Acting Executive Director of the Volta Regional Museum
• Hon. Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts
I have formally requested that the Ministry and the Museum issue a press release to clear my name and reputation from this inaccurate reportage.
My demands are as follows:
All social media posts bearing this false narrative and linking me to the “Mother Mary – 40 years in Agbenoxoe” claim must cease circulation immediately.
Individuals and platforms that have shared such inaccurate content are urged to delete the posts without delay.
Legal Notice:
Failure to comply will leave me with no option but to pursue legal recourse against any violating parties.
I am sincerely thankful for your understanding and cooperation.
-END-
Issued by:
Prof. Wazi Apoh
Archaeologist
For further inquiries, please contact:
0542676293
ABOUT PROF. WAZI APOH
Professor Wazi Apoh is a distinguished Ghanaian scholar and a leading figure in African archaeology and heritage studies. He is widely recognized for his work in documenting the complex history of the Volta Region and advocating for the preservation of African cultural identity.
- Academic Leadership
He is a Full Professor of Archaeology and currently serves as the Dean of the School of Arts at the University of Ghana, Legon.
He holds a PhD in Archaeology from Binghamton University (SUNY) in New York.
- Research & Expertise
His work focuses on the archaeology of colonization and missionization, with a specific interest in the German and British eras in Togoland.
He is a prominent voice in the global conversation regarding the repatriation of looted African artifacts and human remains from European museums.
He has successfully led projects to rehabilitate historic sites, such as the 155-year-old Bremen Mission house in Ho, converting them into functional heritage centers.
- Major Publications
He is the author of several influential books, most notably:
“Revelations of Domination and Resilience: Unearthing the Buried Past of the Akpini, Akan, German and British at Kpando, Ghana” (2019).
“Germany and Its West African Colonies: Excavations of German Colonialism in Post-Colonial Ghana and Togo.”
- Public Advocacy
Professor Apoh often advocates for the integration of archaeology into national development. He has frequently called for a National Cultural Heritage
Policy that would mandate archaeological and heritage impact assessments before any large-scale infrastructure or land-clearing projects are undertaken in the country.
READ ALSO:
Gov’t clears $29m Suame road debt, boosts project with GH₵3bn funding
GNECC launches GAWE to boost ICT and digital access for rural and disabled students
