A 19-year-old resident of Dodi-Kpomkpa in the Kadjebi District, identified as Justice Berina Komla, who was struck dead by lightning, has been laid to rest following spiritual rituals performed by a fetish priest from Dayi Kwanta in Togo.
According to local reports, the rites were carried out before the Environmental Health Officer of the Dodi-Papase community was contacted to identify a suitable burial site in accordance with public health and sanitation protocols.
The tragic incident occurred around 1:45 p.m. on Friday, October 17, while the deceased was uprooting a palm tree on farmland near Dodi-Papase. Witnesses and family members said the weather showed no signs of rainfall or thunderstorms, sparking suspicions of spiritual involvement.
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In keeping with traditional beliefs, a 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 conducted customary rites to permit the burial of the deceased.
A traditional ruler, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on condition of anonymity, revealed that the same priest had recently been consulted by the deceased’s sister, Akos Anago, over a missing GH¢600.00.
After all suspects, including the deceased, denied involvement, Ms Anago allegedly sought the intervention of the Zakadza shrine in Dayi Kwanta. The thunder god, according to the source, identified Justice Berina Komla as the culprit, which allegedly led to the lightning strike that claimed his life.
Efforts by GNA to reach Ms Anago for comment were unsuccessful, as her phone was unreachable.
The incident has triggered fear and widespread discussion across local communities, with residents calling for stronger communal unity, respect for traditional conflict resolution systems, and renewed reverence for spiritual customs.
As the community mourns, family and friends continue to grapple with the mysterious loss of a young man whose death has left deep spiritual and emotional scars in Dodi-Kpomkpa.
