Self-Styled Prophetess Sentenced to 5 Years for Fraudulent Theft in Ghana

Introduction

In a landmark judgment delivered by the Asante Akropong Circuit Court in Ghana, Ama Salifu—a self-proclaimed spiritual healer—has been sentenced to a 5-year jail term following a fraudulent scheme that left two victims financially and emotionally devastated. The court, presided over by Mrs. Gloria Mensah Bonsu, convicted Salifu on her own admissions of stealing goods and cash worth GH¢27,270 from Josephina Owusuaa and Priscilla Owusu Achiaa through deceptive religious claims. This case highlights the dangerous intersection of religious exploitation, fraud, and the legal system’s response to such crimes.

Analysis: How Spiritual Authority Was Weaponized for Theft

The prosecution painted Salifu as a “confident trickster” who exploited her self-proclaimed prophetic role to manipulate victims. Her modus operandi involved positioning herself as a conduit for divine will, coercing victims into relinquishing their rights and property.

The First Incident: Exploiting a Laundry Queue at Abuakwa SDA Junction

On April 17, 2025, Salifu intercepted Josephina Owusuaa near a laundry facility. Posing as a prophetess, she instructed Owusuaa to leave her handbag—containing GH¢1,200 and an iPhone XR—at a broker. When Owusuaa failed to locate the promised “spiritual advisor,” she reported the theft, prompting police intervention.

The Second Incident: Targeting a Minor Under Emotional Distress

In August 2025, Salifu preyed on a 16-year-old girl mourning her mother’s illness. After convincing the minor her mother, Priscilla Owusu Achiaa, was subjected to “spiritual attacks,” Salifu extracted GH¢20,970 in cash, inheritance jewelry, and an iPhone 6s through fraudulent intercessory prayers. The suspect admitted to hiding the loot until her arrest in late October.

Legal analysts note that the court’s 5-year sentence reflects the severity of Grand Larceny under Ghana’s Criminal and Other Offenses Act, which mandates harsher penalties for coordinated deception.

Summary

Amidst allegations of spiritual exploitation, Ama Salifu’s conviction sets a precedent for prosecuting fraud disguised as religious services. The theft of GH¢27,270 from two victims—using forged religious authority—underscores the risks of unregulated spiritual influence. The court emphasized that while freedom of religion exists, it cannot justify criminal activity.

Key Points

Practical Advice to Avoid Such Scams

Verify Spiritual Claims Independently**:

Individuals should independently assess the legitimacy of self-proclaimed spiritual intermediaries through local religious institutions or community leaders.

Document Unsolicited Requests**:

If approached with demands for goods or money, record the encounter and report to local authorities immediately.

Educate Communities on Scam Tactics**:

Public awareness campaigns can help residents identify red flags, such as urgency to surrender valuables or threats of spiritual harm.

Points of Caution

Beware of Sudden Offers of Divine Intervention**:

Liars often exploit moments of vulnerability, such as grief or financial distress, to manipulate victims into compliance.

Respect Boundaries of Cultural Practices**:

While Ghanaian traditions incorporate spiritual healing, beneficiaries should avoid transactions without documented accountability.

Question Anonymity of Intermediaries**:

Transactions involving intermediaries, as seen in Salifu’s first incident, often lack traceability and accountability.

Comparison to Similar Cases Globally

This case parallels the 2023 U.S. conviction of a Florida-based spiritual adviser for embezzling GH¢18,000 using similar tactics. Both cases reveal a global pattern of exploiting religious ambiguity for illicit gain. However, Ghana’s legal framework, emphasizing victim restitution, distinguishes it from jurisdictions with stricter non sequitur rules.

Legal Implications in Ghana

Ghana’s Criminal Code defines Grand Larceny as theft exceeding GH¢500, punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment. Salifu’s conviction under Section 264 establishes that impersonation for theft aggravates penalties. Defense lawyers may argue freedom of religion, but courts prioritize victim protection over such claims.

Conclusion

The conviction of Ama Salifu serves as a cautionary tale against abusing spiritual authority. It underscores the need for balanced religious liberty with ethical accountability. As communities navigate traditional and modern dynamics, legal vigilance remains critical to prevent exploitation under the guise of faith.

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