The exercise, led by Torgbui Sabah V, the Divisional Chief of the town, included participants such as the Assembly Member, Unit Committee members, opinion leaders, and residents, who cleared and swept the town’s bushy cemetery.

During the exercise, Torgbui Sabah urged residents to stay united.

He proposed regular cleanup exercises to maintain the town’s cleanliness, while emphasising the importance of collective effort in keeping the Nogokpo community clean and beautiful.

“We will be doing this twice every month to make our beloved community clean and beautiful, and I expect all citizens to take part; anyone who fails to participate will face consequences,” he said.

He explained that the exercise has brought a new look to the Nogokpo community and expressed optimism that the activities would renew and uplift the spirit of communal labour among community members for the benefits of a clean environment.

He said the initiative was part of the broader efforts to promote a clean, healthy environment and to prevent diseases.

Mr Jonas Fotor Agbagba, the Assembly Member for the area, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that the cleanup exercise would not be a one-time event but would be a regular occurrence, so the community would be committed to cleaning twice every month.

“I am very grateful to all of us for coming out today in our numbers to participate in this month’s cleanup exercise. I can boldly say that we have made history today; cleanliness, they say, is next to Godliness.

He said the Nogokpo community is committed to maintaining a clean, beautiful environment, and that the cleanup exercise was a step in the right direction toward proper personal and community hygiene.

He called on residents to join hands to keep Nogokpo clean and beautiful, drive communicable diseases away, and ensure better living conditions for residents.

Mr Lawrence Wonder Kpexor, a Unit Committee Member, also expressed gratitude to Torgbui Sabah and his elders for leading the initiative.

He also praised the residents for their participation and urged the community to maintain momentum.

Mr Kpexor emphasised that the cleanup exercise was a resounding success, with residents pledging to continue the effort to create a cleaner and healthier environment.

Other community members expressed their excitement and gratitude to the Torgbui and the leadership for the initiative and promised their full cooperation for future cleanup exercises.

They said the initiative would provide other communities with the opportunity to replicate the Nogokpo model by engaging local leaders, setting clear goals, mobilising community members, and establishing a schedule for clean-up exercises.

They charged community leaders to promote environmental cleanliness by leading by example, raising awareness, enforcing regulations, and mobilising resources to enable communities to sustain communal labour initiatives by building ownership, establishing a schedule, recognising contributions, and involving youth.

Consequently, the family has obtained the permission of the Dufia of Anloga and Dome Fiaga of the Anlo State, Togbi Zewu IV, to beat the gong-gong to inform the community about their intention to find the perpetrators of the dastardly act through a “trial by ordeal” at the Nogokpo Yewe traditional temple.

In response to this request in a letter dated January 19, 2025, Togbi Zewu wrote: “I received your letter requesting me to grant you permission to beat the gong-gong at Anloga town as a condition of Yewe Shrine at Nogokpo to begin their spiritual search.”

“The purpose of beating the gong-gong is very necessary because it is a way of making the town aware of your intention of seeking spiritual intervention from the Yewe Shrine of Nogokpo.”

Crafted under the headline RE: the Tetteh and Ametewe Family of Anloga, Togbi Zewu declared: “My chiefs and I are in full support of this announcement in the town to make everybody aware of your next plan of action in search of the perpetrators of this crime—the brutal murder of Madam Dorcas Korkor Tetteh. Your permission is, therefore, granted.”

Revered Sanctuary

The Nogokpo Shrine, in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region, is considered one of the most powerful traditional temples in the country.

Nogokpo, a small town near Agbozume and about 16 kilometers from Aflao, is shrouded in mystery because of the number of patrons who seek interventions from the Yewe shrine, making it a force to be reckoned with.

Many people also visit the shrine to seek justice from the gods when they feel treated unfairly or wronged.

Over the years, the mere mention of Nogokpo has sent shivers down the spines of many.

Zakadza is not the legal modern court of justice, but a spiritual deity that is believed to dispense justice and exact punishment on the perpetrators of any crime, particularly heinous ones such as murder.

Traditional Priest

Speaking to the Daily Graphic from Nogokpo yesterday, a priest at the shrine, Dogbatsey Tengey, said Zakadza was more active and potent now than ever before, without any signs of losing its potency.

On the operations of the shrine, Togbi Tengey said when families of victims of a crime approach the shrine, rituals are performed after which emissaries are deployed to beat the gong-gong for the perpetrators of the crime to willingly turn themselves in for justice to be served.

Togbi Tengey added that in the unlikely event that those who committed the crime do not confess, the family would report back to the shrine for another ritual to be performed and the gong-gong beaten for the second time.

After that second attempt to solicit a self-confession, the wrath of the god would begin to visit the criminal and their family.

“In fact, if the god strikes this time, it can destroy a whole family, including the extended ones,” Togbi Tengey explained.

Awadada

The Awadada (War Lord) of Anlo, Togbi Agbesi Awusu II, told the Daily Graphic that he had been duly informed by the chief of Anloga of his permit, which granted the emissaries of the Zakadza god permission to undertake that important spiritual exercise. He added that “this step is to complement the investigations being carried out by the police.”

He said even in the Western world, security agencies employ the assistance of spirits and deities to unravel mysteries surrounding crimes such as this.

Togbi Agbesi Awusu expressed the hope that the perpetrators of the heinous crime would be apprehended and called on residents to cooperate with both the traditional authorities and the police in that direction.

Background

Dorcas Korkor Tetteh, 60, the operator of The Base Chopbar, was found lying lifeless on the floor in her room at Anloga, Dornorgbor, in the early hours of Saturday, December 28, last year.

The chop bar operator was killed in a suspected robbery incident gone bad.

Preliminary information from neighbors indicates that the suspected armed robbers attacked and killed the chop bar operator during the night.

The Presiding Member of the Anloga District Assembly, Joseph Kpattah, said Madam Tetteh had returned from church service the previous night.

He said when her workers arrived on Saturday morning, it was discovered that the metal bars on her windows had been removed, while the windows and doors were left open.

Upon entering her room, she was found lying lifeless on the floor with bruises all over her body.

A report was made to the police, who subsequently conveyed the body to the morgue for further investigation.

ALSO READ:

Obuasi Mine Clash: Asantehene condemns illegal miners invading abandoned concession of…

Ghana’s public debt stock declines to GH¢761.0bn in November 2024 –…

The spokesperson, in a widely publicised report on October 26, 2023, alleged that Torgbiga Adamah III, the Paramount Chief of Some Traditional Area and President of the Some Traditional Council, had been compromised after a visit from the NPC.

Nornyigbey also reportedly called for the scrapping of the NPC, alleging that the Council’s actions did not align with the pursuit of peace.

However, the Council has, in a statement, dismissed Nornyigbey’s claims, saying they are “not only false and unsubstantiated but totally unconscionable.”

Explaining its intervention, the Peace Council said it engaged all relevant stakeholders to work out a peaceful resolution of the impasse following Agyinasare’s statement describing “Nogokpo as the demonic headquarters of the Volta Region” in May 2023.

The Council said it spoke with the chief of Nogokpo, Torgbi Saba V, on June 5, 2023, and issued him a “conflicts complaint form”, which he completed and returned on June 9, 2023.

“On June 29, 2023, led by Torgbiga Adamah III and his 13-member Traditional Council team, including Torgbi Saba V of Nogokpo and Torgbi Atsu-Gledza of Nogokpo-Agbakofe.

“Nufialaga Mawufemor Nornyigbey was absent from the meeting, which was held in an open space with over twenty people present. The Council denied meeting Torgbiga Adamah III in private or separately from the main meeting,” the statement explained.

The Council has therefore called on the spokesperson to retract and apologise for his false and damaging statements.

ALSO READ:

• It’s been 60 days, I’m still dancing – Agyinasare to Nogokpo chiefs

• I would have quit God’s work if Aginasare had gone to Nogokpo shrine –…

• National Peace Council meets Somey Traditional council over Nogokpo – Agyinsare impasse

Below is the full statement:

This, according to the pastor, is because he is a child of God and therefore cannot be cursed or defiled.

Speaking to his congregants, Archbishop Agyinasare said while he is not ready to meet the demands of the chiefs and people of Nogokpo, he will also not bear the consequences of that decision.

“In Numbers 23:8, it says, ‘how shall I curse whom God has not cursed, how shall I defile whom the Lord has not defiled. If God has not cursed me, how dare you curse me? If God has not defiled me, as a child of God, when you defile me, there is trouble.

“When they invoke spirits against you, and make incantations against you, they are blessing you. When they say your life must be cut short, they are increasing your life. When they say harm and destruction must come to you, they are opening a portal of protection and favor.

“It is important to remember this and me, in this country, I am an example that if you are a child of God and they pour libation against you and they give you 14 days to live, after 60 days, you will still be dancing.”

According to him, “that history can never be erased because it was done publicly, all the TV stations took it, social media took it that ‘we will show Agyinasare in 14 days who controls the cosmic realm’ and after 60 days, we are still here.”

“I am not going anywhere. I am not going now. It is not time for me to go yet, I have some more devils to cast out, some more sick to heal, some more people to empower, some more teachings to release,” he stressed.

The renowned man of God added that based on biblical principles, he is a fighter who enjoys a good fight since that is the characteristic of a good Christian.

“The Bible says we should fight a good fight of faith. We should fight. So you, if you don’t like fight, you can’t be a Christian.

“Me, I like fights because I am a child of God, and because since the days of John the Baptist, the kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent takes it by force.

“I am one of those people that will not make the devil take what belongs to me. I have to collect everything that belongs to me in Jesus’ name,” he explained

Background

The Chiefs and people of Nogokpo in the Ketu South Municipality gave the founder of Perez Chapel International, Archbishop Charles Agyinasare 14 days to appear before the traditional leaders.

This was after a video of him categorising the town as the headquarters of demons in the Volta Region went viral on social media.

Earlier, the General Overseer said he had no intention to cast a slur on certain groups of people or their communities and had described “any misrepresentation or misinformation that has characterised the subsequent commentary and reportage” as unfortunate.

But the Chiefs insisted that failure of the man of God to appear before them would compel them to take another step of action.

According to them, the Archbishop must do the right thing after tarnishing the image of the town. 

ALSO READ:

• Always be battle ready against evil spirits – Agyinasare tells Christians

• Nogokpo vs Agyinasare: National Peace Council calls for calm

The controversy started in May when Archbishop Charles Agyinasare referred to Nogokpo as the “demonic headquarters” of the Volta Region during a sermon.

His words, which were part of a church program, instantly drew a strong reaction from the council of elders at Nogokpo.

In a recent interview with Black Rasta, Prophet Emmanuel Adjei expressed his belief that the reaction from the people at Nogokpo was excessive and characterized by extremism.

“The man [referring to Agyinasare] is a statesman. He came out and made a statement. He’s been in ministry for years. He has a track record. He is not a man that creates controversies,” said Pastor Emmanuel Adjei, who was in Canada at the time of the incident.

He further added that he respects every religion but believes that no harm can come to individuals who have placed their bodies and souls in the hands of God.

Prophet Emmanuel Adjei stated that he has not disrespected the practicing of other religions and emphasized that they went to extreme measures in their reaction.

During the interview, Prophet Adjei revealed that he would have been deeply disappointed and even contemplated quitting his faith if Archbishop Agyinasare had actually visited Nogokpo.

“Hey, I said if the Archbishop had gone to Nogokpo, I would have stopped worshipping God. Because I will feel so ashamed and disappointed because we see him as a father, we see him as a mentor and a leader. Now you leave our territory and go there, I’ll feel very disappointed,” he explained.

Prophet Adjei said no harm can come to those who have put their trust in God, regardless of their location or spiritual practices.

He suggests that the incident should be put to rest and not be stretched any further.

In light of the controversy, it is clear that emotions are running high and discussions on religious practices and beliefs continue to be a sensitive topic in Ghana.

A delegation from the National Peace Council (NPC), led by His Eminence Numo Blafo Akotia Omaetu III, has held a meeting with the chiefs and elders of the Somey Traditional Area.

The meeting, chaired by the Paramount Chief of the Somey Traditional Area, Torgbi Adamah III, was to deliberate on the controversy which surrounded comments made by Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, founder of the Perez Chapel International, and find lasting solutions to the impasse.

The Archbishop during a summit at the Perez auditorium in Accra, described Nogokpo as the “demonic headquarters in the Volta region.”

His comments infuriated the people of Nogokpo and the larger Volta region, some of who took to various social media platforms to criticise the respected clergyman.

Subsequently, the chiefs and elders of the town issued a two-week ultimatum to the Archbishop to withdraw his comments and render an apology to the people.

The ultimatum has long elapsed.

Torgbi Adamah said after the meeting that both the Peace Council and the Somey Traditional Council had agreed to resolve the issue amicably.

“We have communicated our position to the Peace Council, and have tasked the council to communicate that to the Archbishop. The Somey Traditional Council is giving the Archbishop a week’s ultimatum to withdraw the controversial comment and render an unqualified apology to the people of Nogokpo, the Somey Traditional Area, and the Volta region as a whole,” he said.

Torgbi Adamah added that the Traditional Council had requested its lawyers to officially write to the Archbishop about the council’s decision.

He clarified that the week’s ultimatum would begin when the Archbishop officially receives the letter from the traditional council’s lawyers.

He stressed that should the Archbishop fail to heed the traditional council’s demand for an apology, “the Somey Traditional Council would advise itself accordingly.”

The Paramount Chief said that there has always been a negative perception of the people of the Volta region which makes Archbishop Ayginasare’s comments unwelcomed

“This should not have been an issue, but the fact that the people of the region have over the years been perceived as bad people, affecting our marriages to other tribes and job opportunities, the Archbishop should not have uttered those comments in the first place.

“He is a respected and experienced man of God who should be uniting people and not passing divisive comments. He must render an apology to bring this matter to rest – we are not happy with this at all.” Torgbi Adamah said.

Numo Blafo Akotia Omaetu III, showed appreciation to the Somey Traditional Council for the warm reception and understanding.

He assured of the Peace Council’s commitment to ensuring that the issue was resolved amicably in the interest of harmony and peaceful coexistence.

Some members of the Volta Regional Peace Council, including its Chairman, Rev. Seth Kwesi Mawutor, were present at the meeting.

Archbishop Agyinasare in one of his sermons described Nogokpo as the “headquarters of demons in the Volta Region’, igniting fury among the residents and particularly their leaders.

After the ultimatum expired on Friday, June 16, the spokesperson of Nogokpo hinted a meeting will take place to reveal next line of action.

As the wait prolongs, Bishop Charles Agyinasare has found his voice, cautioning any entity who is not of the Almighty not to joke with a child of God.

He revealed that in a country plagued with topical issues, his name has been a topic of discussion for three weeks, which he believes is a testament of God’s blessings.

Forecasting any evil, he revealed that it would be an absolute mistake for any entity to try him spiritually as he has a pact with God to bless who blesses him and curse whosoever curses him.

“A curse is an invocation of spiritual or supernatural forces to do you harm. So if God says anyone who curses he will curse, then anyone who pours libation and mentions your name invocating any force against you, what that person is doing is activating a spiritual law against themselves and their families.”

Archbishop Agyinasare expressed belief that anyone who opens a spiritual portal against him is barely fighting a fruitless battle.

“…don’t joke with a child of God. I am not saying an Archbishop, an Apostle or whatever, I am just saying don’t joke with the child of God,’ he preached, drawing cheers of approval from his congregation.”

RELATED

• Nogokpo’s deadline for Agyinasare elapses today as Ghanaians wonder what happens next

• Agyinasare apologises over Nogokpo gaffe

• Nogokpo saga: Perez Chapel Bishop declares week-long fast over controversy

The body of the 60-year-old was found hanging on a rope in his living room in the early hours of Wednesday, June 14, 2023.

Madam Baby Amuzu, wife of the late Assemblyman, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the deceased did not complain of any issues prior to the incident.

She said it was the deceased’s routine to drive their children to school each morning, but on the fateful day, he declined the usual routine and instead asked her to take the children to school, giving no reason.

She said she took the children to school only to return to find the deceased hanging on a rope in their living room.


Mr Jonas Fotor Agbagba, the current Assemblyman for the area, said he met with the deceased just a day before the incident and they both had some discussions on the forward march of the electoral area and wondered what could have triggered him to take his own life.

“I met with him just yesterday – as you know, the local Assembly elections are just around the corner and so we had some discussions as to how best to position myself for the election and other matters relating to the progress of the electoral area.

“He is someone who really has the interest of the area at heart – I just can’t believe he could do this to himself,” Mr Agbagba lamented.

The unfortunate incident has left many residents in the area wondering if the recent impasse between the chiefs and people of Nogokpo and Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, founder and general overseer of the Perez Chapel International, could have anything to do with the bizarre passing of the former Assemblyman.

The body of the deceased had been deposited at the Sacred Heart morgue at Abor, while the Agbozume Police Command had begun investigations into the incident.

ALSO READ:

• Nogokpo : Land of beauty and harmony

• Call your members to order to avoid religious conflict – Nogokpo Traditional leader urges…

Torgbui Agbodzalu Amuzu lamented how some pastors so-called, especially Nana Agrada and others, are attacking Nogokpo, which is a town where the deity of justice and thunder resides.

Fiator Agbodzalu Amuzu in an interview noted that the whole issue is being misunderstood by Christians, and most of them on social media are “just speaking rubbish without understanding the real facts on the ground.”

Fiator Agbodzalu Amuzu noted that the Bible never mentioned Nogokpo or anything about the shrine in Nogokpo, and so Christians must be circumspect in their speech on the issue.

He urged the Christian Council to advise the Christian community to stop making references to Nogokpo.

“The Bible never mentioned maami water or the marine spirit, Nogokpo, juju or any deity in their write-ups, and so Christians must stop talking anyhow on the issue, especially on the social media platforms and television channels before they bring religious conflicts, “Fiator Agbodzalu Amuzu said.

He noted that Nogokpo is one of the towns in the Ketu South of the Volta Region and the entire town is a peaceful one with principles. He noted that the shrine Zakadza is a ‘god of justice’ and thunder which resides in Nogokpo, and Christians must know the facts before speaking on the issues.

Fiator Agbodzalu Amuzu noted that it is necessary for the Christian Council to urgently stop all negative commentary and insults on the deity and the town of Nogokpo, and rather face their businesses as Christians in order to avoid any serious religious conflicts in the country.

“If Christians claim to have God they should rather show good examples as followers of Christ instead of trying to bring conflicts in the country, “he said.

“Those pastors and Christians saying all sorts of things against Nogokpo do not own Ghana and Ghana does not belong to any of them but for everyone, so they must be careful,” he warned.

He also urged the chiefs to be steadfast in all they do and fight for their thrones and titles.

He noted that chiefs must fight for their titles and forget about whatever any other Chief said regarding distancing themselves from Nogokpo.

He called for unity among the traditional leaders in the Volta Region.

This comes after a video of the founder and General Overseer of Perez Chapel International, Archbishop Charles Agyinasare categorising the town as the headquarters of demons in the Volta Region went viral on social media.

Earlier, the General Overseer had said he had no intention to cast a slur on certain groups of people or their communities and had described “any misrepresentation or misinformation that has characterised the subsequent commentary and reportage” as unfortunate.

But the chiefs insist that failure on the part of the man of God to appear before them in two weeks would compel them to take another action.

“If it was revealed to you by God, then go to the town with the power of God. I have nothing to say if you are telling me he believes God was the one who revealed that to him. Because if God revealed to you and His power is with you, no power can overcome you when you go there. The power of God must manifest. If God is with you, nobody can hurt you,” Opambour stated during his televised preaching shared by Oman Channel.

The founder and leader of Perez Chapel International, Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, has come under heavy criticism following his sermon to his congregation on May 24, 2023.

During the third day of the Supernatural Summit held at the headquarters of Perez Chapel in Accra, the Archbishop preached about divine protection and the existence of evil forces, citing several examples to support his teaching.

In the course of his preaching, Agyinasare recounted an incident where his team received spiritual attacks for hosting a crusade in the Volta Region.

“During this crusade in Aflao… we slept at Agbozume, that was where our hotel was, and you have to go through Nogokpo. And Nogokpo is the demonic headquarters in the Volta Region. We have only not said it, but the second night I made Bishop Yaw Adu talk about witchcraft and we disgraced the witches and wizards. When we were driving from Aflao to Agbozume, immediately we got to Nogokpo, Bishop Yaw Adu’s four-wheel drive, the tire came out from under the car,” he recounted.

Following his comment, traditional leaders at Nogokpo, on Friday, June 2, 2023, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Christian leader.

They demanded that the respected clergyman personally meets with them for a peace talk regarding derogatory statements he made about Nogokpo being the “demonic headquarters of the Volta Region.”

The chiefs expressed their disappointment and called for a resolution to address the harm caused by Mr Agyinasare’s remarks.

The chiefs clarified that Mr Agyinasare’s comments imply that Nogokpo is a hub for wicked and evil individuals in the Volta Region.

Representing Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, the founder of the Church, who is on an international mission, he announced the stance of the Church’s Board Council on the Nogokpo matter at a church service.

Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, founder and leader of the Perez Chapel International, has said he has no intention to cast a slur upon the people of the Nogokpo town and the Volta Region as a whole. 

During a sermon at his Church on Sunday in Accra, May 28, the Archbishop said, his comments were never meant to denigrate the people of Nogokpo and the Volta Region. 

He explained that he only sought to refer to an incident that happened after a crusade held in the area. 

“To drive home my point, I made reference to several instances where I have encountered manifestations of demonic powers in my crusades, which have taken me to over 92 countries of the world.  

“I gave an example of people who were seeking to levitate during a crusade in India. I gave an example of an attack I suffered as a very young pastor who had gone to preach at a bus stop around Korle Bu.  

“In reference to Nogokpo, I wish to clarify that I never intended to refer to the town but an incident that happened after a crusade at Aflao – I had absolutely no intention to cast a slur on the people of Nogokpo town and the Volta Region as a whole,” the archbishop explained. 

He said, “I have had a cordial relationship with the people of the Volta Region – my wife of 38 years is an Ewe from Keta and two of my biological children bear Ewe names – all the examples I gave were not intended to denigrate any of the towns and their people, but to elucidate the principles of divine protection to congregants,” he said. 

Archbishop Agyinasare said he regretted issues surrounding the statement he made and said he remained committed to serving Ghana as a spiritual leader. 

“Any misrepresentations or misinformation that has characterised the subsequent commentary and reportage is regretted – my ministry over the past 40 years has been one that has spoken up at critical times in our nation as a spiritual gatekeeper and I remain committed to serving God’s people and the nation as the spirit directs,” the archbishop concluded. 

At the Summit held recently at the headquarters of Perez Chapel in Accra, the Archbishop preached about divine protection and the existence of evil forces and cited several examples to support his teaching. 

Following the publication of the video online, the Church leader has come under heavy criticism in the media, resulting in reaction from the people of Nogokpo, including statements from the Dufia of Nogokpo, Torgbi Saba V. 

Other prominent people from the area, including Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu South, asked for an apology over the Archbishop’s comment. 

Mr Jonas Fotor Agbagba, Assembly member for Nogokpo/Atsivuta said people had misconceptions about the community, famous for its traditions and powerful shrine, Zakadza. 

“Nogokpo is not a demonic headquarters. Bishop, respectfully, you goofed. I stand with the good people of Nogokpo,” Israel Selikem Bossman, Assembly member for Denu stated. 

His advice came in the wake of a recent comment made by Archbishop Charles Agyin-Asare, the founder and leader of Perez Chapel during a sermon in his Church auditorium in Accra.

The archbishop’s comments received a lot of backlash from members of the public purported to be indigenes of Nogokpo, which according to Torgbi Saba, were not coming from the right people.

A statement issued by the palace of Torgbi Saba V said “it has come to the notice of Torgbi Saba V, Dufia of Nogokpo, the current happenings on social media about Archbishop Charles Agyin-Asare and Nogokpo – we wish to let Ghanaians and the world know that we are deliberating on the issue and the general public shall hear from us in due course.”

The statement directs all media outlets and the public seeking further clarification, to do so through the appropriate channel.

Below is the statement: