The chiefs and people of Hiawu Besease in the Ashanti Region are fervently organizing prayers and fasting to fend off any evil as the date for an intended witches conference slated to take place in the town. Residents of the farming community in the Atwima Nwabiagya District claim media reports of the proposed conference have left them in fear. Ohemeng Tawiah of Nhyira FM reports that the town is expected to declare a day of prayers and fasting in the course of the week to oppose the coming conference that is already causing panic there. Media reports suggested that the witches have announced through a letter they would be holding their annual conference at Hiawu Besease, after a previous, highly publicised one was allegedly botched about two years ago through a similar intervention. Nana Adjei Manu Achiaw, a linguist at Hiawu Besease said besides creating a bad name for the town, it would have dire consequences on the people. “We are panicked. Because we don’t want that thing to come on, we are appealing to everybody to come to our aid through prayers to defeat the witches,” he noted. The coordinator of the local council of churches, Rev. Adjei Boateng, was hopeful all residents would join the crusade against the witches. Rev. Boateng, a Methodist Church pastor, remarked that the conference is a manifestation of the scripture, which also points to the fact that witchcraft exist. “The Bible says we are dealing with witches and principalities, they really exist…we believe that we the Christians of this town owe it a responsibility to stand for the town and fight against their plans and efforts. “Since they are organizing the meeting here, if there would be any effect at all, even involving the whole country, it will start here.” Story by Isaac Essel/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana