Information on this specific subject is currently unavailable to the DIRB. Crimes related to voodoo or juju practices and/or ritual murders do not seem to be covered under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Ghana, 1993. According to an Inter Press Service report of 31 August 1988, the government was reportedly angered by the spate of ritual murders that gripped some regions of Ghana including Akaasu, Sefwa-Bekwai, Sunyani and Sewfi. Some of the people involved were sentenced to death by the tribunal and others were arrested, but the "big men" were reported to have "jump[ed] bail." In some areas the police were to alleged to have been uncooperative, and the president reportedly promised to order "further investigations" into their conduct (ibid.).

For additional information on this topic, please refer to the attached document. This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

The Criminal Code of the Republic of Ghana (Amendment) Act, 1993. Accra: Ghana.

Inter Press Service. 31 August 1988. Edward Ameyibor. "Ghana: Government Moves to Stop Ritual Murders." (NEXIS)

Inter Press Service. 31 August 1988. Edward Ameyibor. "Ghana: Government Moves to Stop Ritual Murders." (NEXIS)