The Homicide Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has arrested a 25-year-old fetish priest and herbalist. He is accused of murdering a 40-year-old trader. Her mutilated body was found in the Central Region. The victim was Joyce Akua Ampongmaa from Akweley Kasoa. Her body was discovered in a bush at Awutu Bentum.
The Director-General of the CID, Lydia Yaako Donkor, briefed the media on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. She stated police received a report on March 10, 2026. The Safohene of Awutu Bentum reported the discovery of a mutilated female body. Police officers found the body with its head and both legs severed. The remains were taken to the Police Hospital mortuary. Autopsy identified the deceased as Joyce Akua Ampongmaa.
Investigations revealed the victim had sought herbal treatment from the suspect in 2025. This was for a swollen leg condition. Police say she visited him again on March 4, 2026. She sought spiritual help for her business protection. The suspect allegedly led her into a bush. He claimed he needed to gather herbs. The CID Director-General stated the suspect attacked her with a cutlass. He killed her and dismembered her body. He then concealed the remains. The suspect admitted to the crime during interrogation. He told investigators he buried the head at Mafi Avedo in the Volta Region. He buried her legs at his residence in Awutu Bentum.
The suspect was sent to the Adabraka District Court on March 13, 2026. He was remanded into police custody. Police later obtained a court order to exhume the buried body parts. On March 17, the suspect guided investigators to Mafi Avedo. The deceased’s head was exhumed there. It was transported to the Police Hospital mortuary. A day later, he led officers to the crime scene at Awutu Bentum. This was for a reconstruction exercise. He also showed locations where he buried her legs. He also showed where he dumped her destroyed mobile phones.
The crime scene is about 0.5 kilometres from Awutu Bentum. It is located on a cassava farm. The suspect identified the exact spot of the attack. He showed where he deposited the body. He also pointed to a pit where he claimed to have buried blood-stained items. Police recovered the deceased’s legs. They found them at the suspect’s residence. Destroyed mobile phones were found in a nearby bush and a latrine. The CID also revealed community members demolished the suspect’s shrine and residence. This happened after the incident. It hindered efforts to find the suspected murder weapon and other exhibits. All recovered body parts are at the Police Hospital mortuary. Investigations continue.