Fetish priest remanded over alleged killing of Kasoa trader

A fetish priest and herbalist has been remanded by the Adabraka District Court in connection with the alleged killing of a woman.

The accused, Michael Xorlali Alortusah, 25, did not take a plea when he appeared before the court.

He has been ordered to reappear on March 25, 2026, as investigations continue and authorities attempt to retrieve missing body parts of the deceased.

Prosecuting, Assistant Superintendent of Police Issah Achiburi told the court that Alortusah, a fetish priest and herbalist at Awutu Bentum near Jei Krodua, was accused of killing Joyce Akua Ampomaa, a 40-year-old trader from Akweiley in Kasoa.

ASP Achiburi said the deceased had earlier sought herbal treatment from Alortusah in 2025 for a problem with her leg.

On March 4, 2026, she reportedly visited him again to seek spiritual assistance to protect her business.

The court heard that after the spiritual consultation, Alortusah instructed the woman to accompany him to his farm to collect some herbs.

Whilst on their way, the suspect allegedly attacked her with a cutlass, severed her head and legs, concealed the body in the bush and carried away the severed parts.

ASP Achiburi told the court that on March 10, 2026, residents discovered the body near the suspect’s farm and reported the matter to the Jei Krodua Police Station.

Police officers proceeded to the scene, retrieved the body and conveyed it to the Police Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

According to the prosecution, Alortusah was later arrested and admitted the offence during interrogation before being arraigned before the court.

Investigations are ongoing as police work to retrieve the missing body parts.