Self-styled prophetess imprisoned 5 years for stealing
By DL News
Published
2 min read
The convict, Ama Salifu, who also works as a trader, pleaded guilty to the charge of stealing and was convicted on her own plea by the court, presided over by Mrs. Gloria Mensah Bonsu.
A 45-year-old woman who posed as a prophetess has been sentenced to five years in prison by the Asante Akropong Circuit Court in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District for stealing cash and personal belongings valued at GH¢27,270.
The convict, Ama Salifu, who also works as a trader, pleaded guilty to the charge of stealing and was convicted on her own plea by the court, presided over by Mrs. Gloria Mensah Bonsu.
According to Chief Inspector Evans Ayimbisa, who presented the facts, the convict targeted unsuspecting victims by pretending to deliver spiritual messages.
Salifu encountered Josephina Owusuaa, the first complainant, at the Abuakwa SDA junction.
She claimed to be a prophetess with a divine message.
She instructed the complainant to leave her bag—containing GH¢1,200 cash and an iPhone XR valued at GH¢3,000—with a nearby trader and go to a woman at the Abuakwa Shell filling station for spiritual direction.
When the complainant returned, both Salifu and the bag had disappeared.
The trader reported that the convict had collected the bag, falsely claiming to be the complainant’s mother.
The victim filed a complaint with the Abuakwa Police.
Salifu approached a 16-year-old girl at the Abuakwa market, claiming the girl’s mother, Priscilla Owusu Achiaa, was under spiritual attack and needed deliverance.
She was taken to the family home, where she convinced them to release several items for supposed intercessory prayers:
29 pieces of new material garments
2 kente cloths
4 wax prints
2 pairs of ladies’ slippers
Total clothing value: GH¢20,000
She also took an iPhone 6s valued at GH¢900 and GH¢170 cash.
Salifu went into hiding afterward.
The accused was arrested on October 13, 2025, at Abuakwa-Manhyia, after being spotted by one of her victims.
In her caution statement, Salifu confessed to the theft, claiming she had already sold the stolen items to an unidentified buyer at Kumasi-Krofrom, but could not lead police to the alleged purchaser.
Following further investigations, she was charged and arraigned before the court, where she entered a guilty plea and was immediately convicted.
Mrs. Gloria Mensah Bonsu sentenced her to five years imprisonment, underscoring the court’s stance against the exploitation of religious deception and fraudulent schemes.
