A 17-year-old junior high school graduate is at risk of losing his right fingers after a self-proclaimed pastor scalded his palm with anointing oil to determine his innocence or guilt over the theft of GHC 600 according to Starr News.
The unfortunate incident took place in Adansi Nsokote, near Ofoase Ayirebi, which is situated on the border between the Eastern and Ashanti regions of Ghana.
The victim, Osei Boadi Joseph, is currently receiving medical attention at the Akyem Oda Government Hospital in the Eastern region. According to Joseph's mother, Emelia Adutwumwaa, the incident occurred after her sister-in-law accused Joseph of stealing her GHC 600 from her room, an accusation which he vehemently denied.
Despite Joseph's denial, the sister-in-law, Yaa Sarfoa, brought in the self-proclaimed pastor for mystical rituals to determine the thief. The pastor scalded anointing oil on the floor and after incantations, asked Joseph to dip his right palm into the oil for 15 minutes to prove his innocence.
After 15 minutes, the pastor asked Joseph to remove his hand, but a few days later, the victim complained of pain and burning sensations in his palm and fingers, which eventually worsened, leading to the charring of his fingers.
The matter was reported to the Akyem Amantia Police station, leading to the arrest of the pastor, but he was later released on bail following the intervention of the Assembly member.
The victim was subsequently taken to Oda Government Hospital for further medical attention after he received no relief from medical care at a primary healthcare facility.
The incident has prevented the victim from taking steps to enroll in a senior high school, as he has been unable to attend any admission interviews. His mother, Emelia, who has exhausted all her savings on her son's medical bills, is pleading for financial assistance and justice.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare has initiated an investigation into the matter.