The residents of Kpale-Xorse in the Ho West District have renewed calls for justice following the gruesome killing of one of their own, Delali Kodzo Adovor.

A farmer was found dead and buried in a shallow grave near his farm earlier last month.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Bishop Victor Goldsmith, who led the delegation from the community, described the death as “an irreplaceable loss” and appealed to state authorities to ensure that all those behind the murder are brought to justice.

“Our brother’s death is a huge loss to the community. He was deeply involved in every communal activity in Kpale-Xorse. When we heard the news on September 1, it was heartbreaking,” Bishop Goldsmith said.

“We are here not only to sympathise with the bereaved family but also to demand justice. We strongly believe this act was not carried out by one person, it was a coordinated effort, and all those involved must be arrested and prosecuted.”

He added that the incident had instilled fear and panic among residents, affecting their daily activities, especially farming, the community’s main source of livelihood.

“People are scared to go to their farms. Our crops are rotting because of fear. If nothing is done, hunger may soon threaten us,” he lamented.

Bishop Goldsmith urged the security agencies to intensify investigations, noting that the community would not be satisfied if only one suspect is prosecuted.

“We believe this was a team act. Arresting one person cannot bring us closure. The government, police, and all investigative bodies must dig deeper to uncover everyone involved,” he stressed.

Mr Divine Komla Tutu, the Assembly Member for the Kpale-Tordome Electoral Area, confirmed to the GNA that one suspect had been arrested and remanded into Police custody but remained uncooperative during interrogation.

“I have met with the District Commander and the CID several times. They are telling me the suspect is still silent about his accomplices. He was transferred to the Ho Prison about three

weeks ago. The Police believe that with time, he may reveal the others behind this act,” Mr Tutu explained.

He described the late Adovor as a hardworking and dedicated member of the community who also served on his unit committee.

“He was not just a resident but one of my unit committee members — a man who represented me whenever I was away. Losing him is like losing a part of myself. Justice must be served,” he said passionately.

Mr. Tutu also appealed to the Attorney-General’s Department, the Volta Regional Minister, the District Security Council (DISEC), and all relevant authorities to ensure that investigations are thorough and impartial.

While there are suspicions that the murder may have had ritual undertones, Mr Tutu urged the public to allow the Police to complete their investigations before drawing conclusions.

Madam Agbale Mawunyo Adovor, the widow of the deceased, expressed her grief and appealed for divine justice.

“I am leaving everything in God’s hands. But I pray that those behind my husband’s death will be exposed and punished,” she said tearfully.

Mr Adovor was reported missing on Monday, September 1, after leaving for his farm at Kpale-Xorse.

Following a search by local youth and residents, his lifeless body was discovered two days later, buried in a shallow grave behind his farm.

The Ho West District Police have since made one arrest as investigations continue.