The ruler of Akyem Abuakwa, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, the Okyenhene has ordered the closure of all alien shrines in his jurisdiction.

All customary rituals alien to Akyem Abuakwa custom are also to cease.

In a statement announcing the directives, the Okyeman said, “It has been observed that over the past decade there has been an unperfected influx of immigrant ritualists guised as traditional priests who have abused the hospitality of Okyeman and engaged in activities that threaten the lives of residents, social order and the health of the national economy.”

The statement said it is forbidden for “migrant traditional rulers and traditional priests to invoke alien rituals and purport to exercise customary authority, which is the sole prerogative of Nananom of Akyem Abuakwa.”

The latest action follows recent criminal activities alleged to have been orchestrated by some fetish priests in the Okyeman area.

The statement entreated the Ghana Police Service to institute formal measures to intensify and broaden investigations into the said activities which include ritual murders.

“In relation to the above, background checks must be made on all migrant fetish priest and their assigns.

“Retrieval of all ammunitions to ensure the safety of lawful citizens,” the statement said.