Kpando Gadza Celebrates Five Years of Service and Impact Under Queen Mother Mama Ambadza III

By Prosper Wise Amegbe | Akpini News

The people of Kpando Gadza are celebrating a significant milestone as their Queen Mother, Mama Ambadza III, marks five years since her installation to the revered traditional position.

The fifth anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on five years of service, challenges, growth and community development under her leadership.

In a message marking the anniversary, Mama Ambadza III expressed gratitude to Almighty God for His grace, strength and protection throughout the journey.

According to her, the past five years have not been without challenges, but through faith and perseverance, she has continued to serve her people and contribute to the development of Kpando Gadza.

Five Years of Community Impact

Over the past five years, the Queen Mother has championed and supported a number of initiatives aimed at improving the lives and opportunities of people within the community.

Among the key initiatives highlighted are:

• An ICT Laboratory, established in collaboration with Achrow Engineering and the Accra Premier Lions Club.
• A community library project, undertaken in partnership with the Delali Foundation and Accra Sankofa Leo Club, with book support from the Rainbow Foundation and Book Aid International’s Books To Go project.
• Women empowerment and skills training programmes, including training in detergent and pain-relief ointment production for members of the Kpando Gadza Women Association.
• Teenage Mothers Back-to-School and Skills Training Programme, implemented in collaboration with the Emo Foundation.
• Annual free health screening exercises for members of the community.
• Annual Christmas celebrations for children, creating opportunities for young people in the community to celebrate the festive season.
• The introduction of a Women’s Football Gala, aimed at promoting unity, participation and healthy living among women.

These initiatives, according to the Queen Mother, represent only some of the milestones achieved during her five-year journey of service.

Gratitude to Supporters

As she celebrates the anniversary, Mama Ambadza III has expressed her appreciation to her family, friends, traditional elders, development partners, supporters and the entire Kpando Gadza community for their continued support.

She acknowledged the prayers, encouragement and collective efforts that have helped sustain her vision and enabled her to continue serving the people.

More Community Support Ahead

The fifth-anniversary celebration is also expected to extend beyond reflection, with another major community initiative planned in the coming weeks.

A massive free health and eye screening exercise is expected to be organised, with free reading glasses to be provided to persons who require them.

The initiative is expected to further reinforce the Queen Mother's commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of residents.

Five Years of Service

Five years after her installation, Mama Ambadza III's journey reflects a combination of traditional leadership, community service and development-oriented initiatives.

From education and skills training to healthcare, women's empowerment, youth engagement and community welfare, her anniversary offers the people of Kpando Gadza an opportunity to celebrate the journey so far while looking ahead to the years ahead.

As she puts it, five years have brought challenges, growth and impact — and by God's grace, the journey continues.

Akpini News & Tours congratulates Mama Ambadza III, Queen Mother of Kpando Gadza, on her 5th anniversary and celebrates her continued commitment to the development and well-being of her people.

Happy 5th Anniversary, Mama Ambadza III! 👑🎉

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Kpando Education Directorate Holds “My First Day at School” Grand Durbar at Dzoanti

KPANDO, VOLTA REGION — The Kpando Municipal Education Directorate has held its 2026/2027 Academic Year “My First Day at School” Municipal Grand Durbar at Kpando Dzoanti R/C Primary School, bringing together education stakeholders, traditional authorities, parents, teachers, pupils and other dignitaries to celebrate the beginning of a new academic journey for young learners.

The durbar, held on 8 September 2026, was organised under the theme: “Why Early Childhood Education Matters – A Collective Effort from All Stakeholders.”

The celebration highlighted the importance of early childhood education and the shared responsibility of stakeholders in building a strong foundation for children’s educational development.

Traditional Leaders Grace the Occasion

The event was chaired by Gbordomefiaga Torgbui Adzalokko VII, Paramount Chief of Gbordome and Chief of Kpando Dzoanti, whose presence underscored the role of traditional leadership in supporting education within the community.

The second Chairperson was Gbordomenyonufiaga Mamaga Lokkosi IV, Paramount Queenmother of Gbordome.

The traditional leaders were formally introduced to the gathering before the commencement of the main proceedings.

In her engagement with parents, Gbordomenyonufiaga Mamaga Lokkosi IV emphasised the important role parents play in their children's education and development, adding a traditional leadership perspective to the call for collective support for early childhood education.

Education Authorities Highlight Importance of Early Learning

The programme featured a welcome address by the School Improvement Support Officer (SISO) for the Akpini North East Circuit, who formally welcomed guests and stakeholders to the celebration.

Madam Veronica Kudah subsequently took the gathering through the purpose of the event, highlighting the need for stakeholders to work together to promote early childhood education.

The Acting Kpando Municipal Director of Education also addressed the gathering, focusing on the importance of providing children with the necessary foundation and support to begin their educational journey successfully.

The Kpando Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Killian Donkor, was also present and delivered an address during the programme, highlighting the importance of education and stakeholder support in the municipality.

Young Learners Showcase Their Talents

The durbar featured a series of performances by pupils from participating schools, providing the young learners with an opportunity to demonstrate their confidence and creativity.

KG pupils from various schools delivered poetry recitals, adding a lively and educational dimension to the celebration.

Josvyk Academy also presented a choreography performance, while pupils of ChrisLove Preparatory School delivered another choreography display that entertained guests and added colour to the event.

The performances demonstrated the confidence and talents of young learners while complementing the central focus on early childhood education.

Educational Materials Presented to Pupils

Another significant moment of the celebration was the presentation of educational materials to pupils from the various participating schools.

The gesture provided practical support to the young learners as they commenced their academic journey and highlighted the importance of ensuring that children have access to resources that can support their learning.

The presentation also reflected the event's broader message that supporting children’s education requires contributions from multiple stakeholders.

New Entrants Formally Handed Over to Schools

The programme also featured the presentation and handing over of new entrants to their respective schools, symbolising the beginning of their formal educational journey.

The moment served as one of the central highlights of the “My First Day at School” celebration, as the young pupils officially embarked on a new chapter of learning.

Closing of the Durbar

As the programme drew to a close, Gbordomefiaga Torgbui Adzalokko VII, the Chairperson, delivered the closing remarks.

A Vote of Thanks was subsequently delivered by Madam Gifty Geze, who expressed appreciation to the organisers, education authorities, traditional leaders, dignitaries, teachers, parents, pupils and other stakeholders for their participation and support.

The event concluded with a closing prayer and benediction led by Rev. Fr. Anthony Azah.

A Collective Responsibility

The 2026/2027 “My First Day at School” Municipal Grand Durbar at Kpando Dzoanti ultimately brought together education and traditional leadership, parents, teachers and the wider community around a common message: the development of children begins with a strong educational foundation.

The celebration highlighted that while schools and teachers play a critical role, the responsibility for ensuring quality early childhood education extends beyond the classroom to parents, traditional authorities, government, communities and other stakeholders.

For the young learners who took part in the celebration, the event marked more than just a ceremonial beginning. It represented the start of a new educational journey filled with learning, discovery and opportunity.

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SDA Church in Kpando Launches Eden Waypoint Bakery Factory to Create Jobs and Develop Skills

By Prosper Wise Amegbe | Akpini News

KPANDO — The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in Kpando has officially launched the Eden Waypoint Bakery Factory, a new enterprise expected to contribute to job creation, skills development and socio-economic development within Kpando and surrounding communities.

The facility was officially commissioned through a ceremony that brought together church leaders, the sponsors of the project, community members and other stakeholders.

The initiative forms part of efforts by the SDA Church in Kpando to complement its evangelical work with practical interventions aimed at addressing the socio-economic needs of the communities it serves.

A Vision Beyond Evangelism

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Akpini News, the District Pastor of the SDA Church in Kpando, Pastor Felix Kodjo Asante, explained that the bakery represents part of the Church’s broader vision of responding to both the spiritual and socio-economic needs of the community.

According to Pastor Asante, the bakery has been established not only as a commercial venture but also as an avenue for creating employment and equipping residents with practical skills.

He said the initiative is open to both church members and residents of Kpando and surrounding communities.

Focus on Healthy and Quality Bread

Pastor Asante also highlighted the bakery’s emphasis on quality, hygiene and healthy production practices, which he said are consistent with the SDA Church’s long-standing advocacy for healthy living.

The factory currently produces different varieties of bread, including wheat, banana and soya bread, among others.

According to the District Pastor, the products have received approval from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).

The focus on healthier bread options is expected to give consumers in Kpando and beyond additional choices while maintaining attention to food safety and production standards.

Sponsors Share Inspiration Behind the Project

In an exclusive interview with Akpini News, Theophilus Kuma Darko, co-sponsor of the project, disclosed the inspiration behind the establishment of the factory.

He explained that he and his twin brother, Attah, decided to sponsor the project as part of their desire to contribute to the development of the community and create opportunities that could improve people's livelihoods.

The brothers subsequently dedicated the facility to the Seventh-day Adventist Church to operate.

The decision, according to Mr Kuma Darko, reflects their desire to see the facility managed in a manner that would enable it to serve the wider community while advancing its development objectives.

Target to Train 500 Community Members

One of the major ambitions associated with the bakery is skills development.

Pastor Asante disclosed that the Church has set a target of training approximately 500 community members within the next year.

The training is expected to provide participants with practical and employable skills that can improve their prospects for employment and self-employment.

The initiative therefore extends beyond the production and sale of bread, with skills development forming an important component of the project's broader community impact.

Plans for Expansion

The SDA Church also has plans to expand the bakery's operations beyond Kpando.

Pastor Asante said the Church intends to establish strategic sales points and distribute the bakery's products to other parts of the Volta Region.

Such expansion, he explained, would increase the reach of the products while creating additional opportunities for the enterprise to grow.

The Church is also considering the establishment of other businesses at the facility, including a sachet water production plant, as part of its broader development agenda.

A Potential Driver of Local Development

The launch of the Eden Waypoint Bakery Factory represents an effort to connect enterprise development with community empowerment.

For Kpando residents, the initiative could provide opportunities not only through direct employment at the factory but also through skills training, distribution, sales and other activities that may develop around the enterprise.

Pastor Asante expressed optimism that, with divine support, the bakery would develop into a sustainable enterprise capable of making a meaningful contribution to job creation, skills development and the socio-economic advancement of Kpando and neighbouring communities.

A New Chapter for Community Enterprise

The official launch marks the beginning of operations for the Eden Waypoint Bakery Factory and introduces a new community-focused enterprise under the SDA Church in Kpando.

With its stated emphasis on healthy food production, employment, skills training and future expansion, the project is positioned by its sponsors and Church leadership as more than a bakery — but as an initiative intended to create opportunities and contribute to the broader development of the community.

As operations begin, the effectiveness and long-term impact of the initiative will depend on its ability to sustain production, create meaningful employment, deliver quality products and fulfil its skills-development ambitions.

Akpini News will continue to follow the progress of the Eden Waypoint Bakery Factory and its contribution to the development of Kpando and the Volta Region.

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Emo Foundation Celebrates Girls Empowerment after three years Skills Training in Kpando

 

Kpando, Volta Region — A significant milestone in youth and women’s empowerment was celebrated at Wizzy’s Emo Restaurant in Kpando, as the Emo Foundation graduated 13 young women who successfully completed a three-year vocational training programme designed to equip teenage mothers with practical skills and opportunities for economic independence.

The graduates comprised six hairdressers and seven seamstresses, all of whom were sponsored by the Emo Foundation throughout their three years of training.

The graduation ceremony brought together traditional leaders, education officials, sponsors, trainers, representatives of the Foundation, community members and other stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of the young women and reflect on the importance of empowering girls and young mothers through skills development.

From Research to an Empowerment Project

The journey behind the programme can be traced to 2022, when Caitlin Weyns, a graduate student in Social Work from Belgium, undertook an internship with the Emo Foundation.

During her internship, Weyns conducted research into teenage pregnancy, examining issues surrounding teenage mothers and the challenges they face.

Her research findings, together with the Emo Foundation’s existing plans for supporting girls, contributed to the development and launch of the Teenage Mothers Empowerment Project.

The initiative was subsequently renamed the Girls Empowerment Project, reflecting the Foundation’s broader commitment to empowering girls and young women.

The programme has since provided beneficiaries with an opportunity to acquire practical vocational skills that can serve as a foundation for self-reliance and income generation.

Three Years of Training, Now a New Beginning

For the 13 graduates, the ceremony marked the culmination of three years of apprenticeship training.

The Graduates

Six of the graduates were trained in hairdressing, while seven received training in dressmaking and sewing.

Throughout the programme, the Emo Foundation sponsored their training, providing the beneficiaries with an opportunity to acquire skills that could enable them to establish their own livelihoods.

The graduation therefore represented more than the completion of an apprenticeship. It marked the transition of the beneficiaries from trainees to skilled young women prepared to enter the world of work.

A Call to Independence

One of the key messages delivered during the ceremony came from Mama Ambadza III, Queenmother of Kpando Gadza, who chaired the occasion and is also one of the sponsors of the programme.

Mama Ambadza III (In the middle)

In her acceptance speech, Mama Ambadza III reflected on the origins of the teenage mothers' initiative and the contribution of the Foundation's international supporters from Belgium.

She encouraged the graduates to make meaningful use of the skills they had acquired and to pursue productive livelihoods.

Her message centred on the importance of young women having something meaningful to do, becoming economically independent and building confidence through their own abilities.

Foundation Explains Purpose of the Gathering

The Manager of the Emo Foundation, Moses Agbotse, also explained the purpose of the gathering, emphasising that the event was not simply a graduation ceremony but an opportunity to recognise the achievements of the beneficiaries and celebrate the impact of the Foundation's investment in skills development.

Moses Agbotse (The gentleman you can see)

The Foundation's work extends beyond vocational training. Located in Kpando at the shores of Lake Volta, Emo Foundation operates a guesthouse, restaurant and bar and offers tourism-related activities.

Its broader objective is to create employment and use proceeds from its activities to support young people and communities.

The Foundation's guiding philosophy is captured in its statement:

“We think global, but act local.”

Programme Overview Presented by Madam Fafa Asamany

A brief overview of the training programme was presented by Madam Fafa Asamany, who highlighted the journey of the beneficiaries and the purpose of equipping them with practical vocational skills.

Madam Fafa Asamany (In the white dress)

The presentation offered an opportunity for guests to understand the significance of the training and the transformation that the beneficiaries had undergone throughout the three-year apprenticeship period.

Support from Education and Traditional Leadership

The ceremony also featured Madam Peace Attah, Municipal Girls Education Officer for Kpando, who served as the second Chairperson.

Madam Peace Attah (on the left)

Madam Peace Attah is also a sponsor of the programme and served as a resource person during the preparatory stages before the project began.

Her involvement highlighted the importance of collaboration between community stakeholders and organisations working to improve opportunities for girls and young women.

The event further received support from traditional leadership.

Semanu Ama Dzesi attended as a special guest representing Mama Ankua II, Anyigbe Nyonufiaga (Queenmother) of Kpando Fesi.

Semanu Ama Dzesi (On the left)

Her presence demonstrated the support of traditional leadership for programmes aimed at equipping young people with skills and creating pathways towards greater independence.

Symbolic Graduation Rites

The ceremony featured several symbolic moments marking the transition of the apprentices from training into professional life.

The hairdressing graduates participated in a ceremonial removal of their scarves, while the seamstress graduates also underwent a symbolic cloth-removal ceremony.

The moments represented the completion of their apprenticeship journey and their readiness to begin applying the skills they had acquired.

A particularly significant part of the ceremony came when the trainers blessed each graduate and formally released them to go out and work.

The blessing and release constituted the actual graduation rites, symbolising the transition from apprenticeship to professional life.

The young women were encouraged to carry the knowledge, discipline and skills acquired during their training into the next chapter of their lives.

A Gesture of Gratitude to Their Trainers

In a touching display of appreciation, the graduates presented their madams with food gifts.

The gesture was intended to recognise the trainers for their patience, guidance, mentorship and dedication throughout the three-year training period.

The graduates also presented a special gift to the Emo Foundation in gratitude for sponsoring their training and supporting their journey.

Donation to Emo Foundation

The presentations provided an emotional reminder that the success of an apprenticeship programme depends not only on the learners but also on the trainers, sponsors and institutions that invest in their development.

Celebrating Skills, Resilience and Opportunity

The graduation of the 13 young women represents an important example of how vocational education can create opportunities for young mothers to develop practical skills and pursue economic independence.

For beneficiaries who entered the programme as teenage mothers, completing three years of training represents a significant personal milestone.

Their graduation demonstrates the potential of targeted skills development programmes to provide young women with practical tools to rebuild their confidence, establish livelihoods and contribute to their families and communities.

The Emo Foundation's approach also demonstrates the value of connecting social intervention with sustainable economic activities.

By operating its guesthouse, restaurant, bar and tourism activities while directing resources towards community development, the Foundation seeks to combine enterprise, employment creation and social impact.

Looking Ahead

As the 13 graduates leave their apprenticeship programmes, the next phase of their journey will be about putting their skills into practice.

Whether through employment, establishing their own businesses or continuing to develop their expertise, the graduates now have a foundation upon which to build their future.

The ceremony at Wizzy's Emo Restaurant was therefore not simply a celebration of certificates or the completion of training. It was a celebration of second chances, skills, resilience and the power of investment in young women.

For Emo Foundation and its partners, the graduation reinforces a continuing commitment to empowering girls and young people in Kpando and contributing to the wellbeing of the wider community.

And for the 13 graduates, the message is clear: the training may be over, but the real journey has just begun.

By: Prosper Wise Amegbe

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From Police Investigation to High Court: The Legal Battle Deepens Over Exhumation of Anna Klu Apreku as Both Families File Competing Lawsuits

By: Prosper Wise Amegbe

The disagreement, according to the court filing, ultimately culminated in the alleged exhumation and reburial of the deceased, setting the stage for a legal battle that now asks the High Court to determine whether the actions taken were lawful.

What began as what the Apreku children say was a mutually agreed burial arrangement has now become one of the Volta Region's most closely watched legal disputes. In a suit before the High Court in Hohoe, the children of the late Mrs Anna Klu Apreku allege that after Emmanuel Mawusi, Head of the Mawusi-Klu Family of Anfoega-Agata, initially agreed to their mother's burial at Kpando Gadza, Rev. Father Raphael Tawiah later opposed the arrangement, insisting that she should instead be buried at Anfoega-Agata and that he alone was entitled to preside over her burial rites. 

Background to the Plaintiffs' Suit

According to a Statement of Claim filed at the High Court of Justice, Hohoe, on 23rd July 2026, Millicent Apreku, Patience Apreku, Prince Apreku, and Bless Apreku, the children of the late Mrs Anna Klu Apreku, have instituted legal proceedings against Rev. Father Raphael Tawiah, Emmanuel Mawusi, Richard Pidah, George Agbezuge, Bright Daffor, and Joseph Ngo over the exhumation and reburial of their late mother's remains.

In their claim, the plaintiffs state that their mother, who was ordinarily resident in Accra, died on 13th August 2025. They contend that before her death, Mrs Anna Klu Apreku had clearly expressed her wish to be buried at Kpando Gadza, the hometown of her husband, where she desired to be laid to rest alongside her husband and children.

The plaintiffs further allege that, during preparations for the funeral, they informed both the maternal and paternal families of the deceased of her final wishes. According to the court filing, they sought permission from Emmanuel Mawusi, Head of the Mawusi-Klu Family of Anfoega Agata, who initially objected to the proposed burial at Kpando Gadza but later agreed after consultations. The plaintiffs claim that following this agreement, funeral arrangements proceeded, with significant financial commitments made towards the burial and funeral ceremonies.

However, the plaintiffs state that shortly before the funeral, Rev. Father Raphael Tawiah, who they describe as a half-brother of the deceased and a member of the Mawusi-Klu Family, objected to the planned burial at Kpando Gadza. They allege that he insisted Mrs Anna Klu Apreku should instead be buried at Anfoega Agata, claiming he was the appropriate person to perform her burial rites. Despite several family meetings, the plaintiffs contend that no consensus was reached to alter the previously agreed burial arrangements.

According to the Statement of Claim, the plaintiffs proceeded with the funeral service in Accra on 28th February 2026 before transporting and burying their mother at Kpando Gadza Public Cemetery, in accordance with what they say were her expressed wishes and the family's earlier agreement.

The plaintiffs further allege that during the funeral service in Accra, individuals allegedly acting on the instructions of Rev. Father Raphael Tawiah and Emmanuel Mawusi attempted to remove the deceased's body for burial at Anfoega Agata. They claim that this attempt was unsuccessful and the burial at Kpando Gadza proceeded as planned.

The suit further states that, a few days after the burial, the plaintiffs discovered that the grave at Kpando Gadza had been disturbed and their mother's remains had been exhumed without their knowledge or consent. They subsequently reported the matter to the Kpando District Police Command, where investigations were commenced.

According to the plaintiffs, police investigations identified the defendants as persons allegedly connected to the exhumation and subsequent reburial of Mrs Anna Klu Apreku at Anfoega Agata. These allegations now form the basis of the civil action before the High Court, in which the plaintiffs are seeking declarations, damages, forensic examination of the remains, reinterment of the deceased at Kpando Gadza, and other reliefs from the court.

Emmanuel Mawusi Sues the Apreku Children

Court records indicate that Emmanuel Mawusi, suing in his capacity as Head of the Mawusi-Klu Family of Anfoega-Agata, filed the first suit at the High Court in Hohoe under Suit No. VR/HH/HC/E13/16/2026.

The defendants are:

• Millicent Apreku
• Ewoenam Apreku
• Prince Apreku
• Bless Apreku
• The Commander, Ghana Police Service, Volta North

In his Statement of Claim, Emmanuel Mawusi contends that Anna Klu Apreku belonged to the Mawusi-Klu Family of Anfoega-Agata and that, under the customs and traditions of that family, the body of a deceased family member belongs to the customary family, with the family head responsible for funeral arrangements and burial.

According to the plaintiff, the deceased died in Accra in August 2025 and was buried at Anfoega-Agata following decisions taken by the family.

He further alleges that after the burial, the children of the deceased became dissatisfied with the burial location and began taking steps to have the body exhumed and reburied at Kpando.

The suit also states that a meeting convened by the Chief of Anfoega-Agata on 30th March 2026 to resolve the dispute ended without agreement, with the Apreku children allegedly insisting that the only acceptable resolution would be to exhume the body and rebury it at Kpando.

Emmanuel Mawusi argues that unless restrained by the court, the defendants would continue their efforts to remove the body, a development he says could lead to unrest and undermine the authority of the Mawusi-Klu Family and the traditional leadership of Anfoega-Agata.

Reliefs Sought by Emmanuel Mawusi

Emmanuel Mawusi

The plaintiff is asking the High Court to grant the following orders:

• A declaration that the remains of Anna Klu Apreku belong to the Mawusi-Klu Family of Anfoega-Agata under customary law.
• A perpetual injunction preventing the Apreku children or anyone acting on their behalf from interfering with the deceased's resting place.
• An order directing the Volta North Regional Police Commander to ensure compliance with any court orders and maintain peace.
• Any additional relief the court considers appropriate.

Apreku Children File Counter Suit

Several months later, the children of the deceased also commenced legal action at the High Court under Suit No. VR/HO/HC/E13/26/2026.

The plaintiffs are:

• Millicent Apreku
• Patience Apreku
• Prince Apreku
• Bless Apreku

They are suing:

• Rev. Father Raphael Tawiah
• Emmanuel Mawusi
• Richard Pidah
• George Agbezuge
• Bright Daffor
• Joseph Ngo

Children Allege Unlawful Exhumation

In their Statement of Claim, the Apreku children present a different version of events.

They state that their late mother expressly wished to be buried at Kpando Gadza, her husband's hometown.

According to the suit, before the funeral, discussions were held with both the maternal and paternal families.

The plaintiffs claim that Emmanuel Mawusi initially opposed the burial at Kpando Gadza but later agreed, allegedly after recounting a dream involving the deceased's mother.

The Statement of Claim further alleges that, following this agreement, the funeral arrangements proceeded, brochures were printed, church services were organised, musicians were hired, and all burial preparations were completed.

Rev. Father Raphael Tawiah

However, shortly before the funeral, the plaintiffs claim Rev. Father Raphael Tawiah objected, insisting that the deceased should instead be buried at Anfoega-Agata and further claiming that only he was entitled to conduct the burial rites.

The plaintiffs say no consensus was reached to change the burial plans, and the deceased was therefore buried at Kpando Gadza on 28th February 2026 in accordance with what they describe as her final wishes.

Burial Footages

Serious Allegations Against Defendants

The Apreku children allege that shortly after the burial, the grave was secretly opened and the body unlawfully exhumed during the night.

Exhumed Footages

According to their suit, investigations by the Ghana Police Service linked the exhumation to the named defendants.

The plaintiffs further allege that:

• Emmanuel Mawusi admitted during police investigations to ordering the exhumation.
• Rev. Father Raphael Tawiah initially denied involvement but later admitted participating in the arrangements.
• Bright Daffor, Joseph Ngo, Richard Pidah and George Agbezuge participated in the operation.
• The body was transported in a Ford vehicle registration GT-4141-11, allegedly driven by George Agbezuge.
• Rev. Father Raphael Tawiah presided over a secret reburial at Anfoega-Agata Cemetery.

These are allegations contained in the plaintiffs' court filing and remain matters for determination by the court.

Claims of Psychological Trauma and Damages

The Apreku children state that the alleged exhumation caused severe emotional distress, humiliation, psychological trauma and public embarrassment.

They further allege that the defendants later agreed during police mediation to return the body to Kpando Gadza, but subsequently refused and instead petitioned the Attorney-General while initiating legal proceedings to halt police investigations.

The plaintiffs also state they have reason to believe the remains may have been tampered with and are asking the court to order forensic examination of the body.

Reliefs Sought by the Apreku Children

The plaintiffs are asking the High Court for:

• A declaration that the exhumation from Kpando Gadza Cemetery was unlawful.
• General, aggravated and punitive damages.
• GH¢10,000 in special damages.
• A court order directing forensic examination of the remains.
• An order that the remains be returned and reburied at Kpando Gadza Cemetery.
• A perpetual injunction preventing any future interference with the deceased's remains.
• Any additional orders the court deems appropriate.

Court Yet to Determine the Dispute

The two lawsuits present sharply contrasting accounts of the events surrounding the burial and exhumation of Mrs Anna Klu Apreku.

On one hand, Emmanuel Mawusi argues that customary law vests authority over the deceased's remains in the Mawusi-Klu Family of Anfoega-Agata. On the other hand, the Apreku children contend that their mother expressed a clear wish to be buried at Kpando Gadza, and that her subsequent exhumation was unlawful.

The High Court in Hohoe is expected to hear both matters and determine the legal and customary issues raised by the parties.

Below is the police report, Mawusi-Klu Family suit, and the counter suit by the deceased children for your perusal👇👇

Mawusi-Klu Family suit👇

The counter suit by the deceased children👇

Akpini News & Tours will continue to monitor proceedings and provide factual, balanced, and timely updates as the case progresses.

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The Kpando Gadza Exhumation Case: Who Moved the Body? Police Findings, Family Dispute and the High Court Lawsuit.

The Kpando Gadza Exhumation Case

Police investigations, customary disagreements and a High Court suit have brought one of the Volta Region's most sensitive burial disputes into the public spotlight.

By Prosper Wise Amegbe
Akpini News & Tours

The burial of Mrs. Anna Klu Apreku, a 69-year-old woman whose final resting place has become the subject of legal and customary dispute, has developed into a landmark case involving police investigations, civil litigation and questions about customary burial rights.

Official documents obtained by Akpini News & Tours, including an Administrative Report by the Ghana Police Service and a Writ of Summons with a Statement of Claim filed at the High Court in Hohoe, provide the first detailed account of how the dispute unfolded.

This publication is the first part of a special investigative series examining the events surrounding the exhumation of Mrs. Anna Klu Apreku and the legal battle that has followed.

A Mother's Final Wish

According to the Statement of Claim filed before the High Court, the late Mrs. Anna Klu Apreku died in Accra on 13 August 2025, where she had been residing with her family.

Her children—Millicent Apreku, Patience Apreku, Prince Apreku and Bless Apreku—state that before her death, their mother expressed her wish to be buried at Kpando Gadza, the hometown of her husband, where she desired that her family would one day rest together.

The plaintiffs further state that discussions were held with members of both the maternal and paternal families before funeral arrangements were finalised.

According to the Statement of Claim, Emmanuel Mawusi, who is identified as the Head of the Mawusi-Klu Family of Anfoega-Agata and the second defendant in the suit, initially objected to the proposed burial at Kpando Gadza.

Emmanuel Mawusi, Anfoega-Agata Asafoatse

The plaintiffs, however, allege that after further family discussions, Emmanuel Mawusi later agreed to the burial and requested customary items, including drinks and a sheep, which the family agreed to provide after the funeral.

Based on that understanding, the plaintiffs state that they proceeded with extensive funeral preparations, including printing funeral brochures, organising transportation, preparing food, hiring a brass band and making other arrangements.

Read Also: From Police Investigation to High Court: The Legal Battle Deepens Over Exhumation of Anna Klu Apreku as Both Families File Competing Lawsuits

A Disagreement Before the Burial

The Statement of Claim further alleges that shortly before the funeral, another disagreement emerged.

According to the plaintiffs, Rev. Fr. Raphael Tawiah, the first defendant and a Catholic priest serving at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish at Shia in the Ho Diocese, objected to the deceased being buried at Kpando Gadza.

Rev. Fr. Raphael Tawiah, the first defendant.

The plaintiffs allege that Rev. Fr. Tawiah maintained that Mrs Anna Klu Apreku should instead be buried at Anfoega-Agata, where her paternal family originates, and further claimed that he should personally preside over the burial rites.

The Statement of Claim states that several family meetings were held, but no agreement was reached to change the original burial arrangements.

The plaintiffs therefore proceeded with the funeral according to what they say were the deceased's expressed wishes.

Burial at Kpando Gadza

On 28 February 2026, funeral rites were held in Accra, after which the late Mrs Anna Klu Apreku was transported to and buried at the Kpando Gadza Public Cemetery.

Burial of Mrs. Anna Klu Apreku in Kpando Gadza Public Cemetery

According to the plaintiffs, some individuals allegedly attempted to prevent the body from being transported from the church premises in Accra to Kpando Gadza. However, the burial eventually proceeded as planned.

Read Also: From Police Investigation to High Court: The Legal Battle Deepens Over Exhumation of Anna Klu Apreku as Both Families File Competing Lawsuits

The Discovery That Shocked the Family

Just days later, the family says it received distressing news.

According to the Administrative Report issued by the Ghana Police Service, Prince Kenneth Apreku, a Station Officer with the Ghana National Fire Service, reported to the Kpando Police on 3 March 2026 that unknown persons had exhumed the body of his late mother and removed both her remains and coffin from the cemetery without the family's knowledge.

Mrs. Anna Klu Apreku exhumed

Police officers immediately visited the cemetery together with the complainant.

According to the report, investigators confirmed that the grave had been opened and that the body and coffin had been removed. Photographs of the scene were taken as evidence.

Police Investigation

The Ghana Police Service's report states that information later received by investigators led them to invite Rev. Fr. Raphael Tawiah and Emmanuel Mawusi for questioning.

According to the police report, both men subsequently led investigators to the Anfoega-Agata Public Cemetery, where officers found a freshly constructed grave bearing the name of the deceased.

The report further states that photographs of the new burial site were taken for evidential purposes.

The police report also indicates that Bright Daffor and Joseph Ngo were later arrested during the investigation.

Bright Daffor

According to the report, they allegedly admitted participating in the exhumation together with other youths from the community and stated that they acted on the instructions of Emmanuel Mawusi, the family head, who later allegedly confessed the order came from Rev. Fr. Raphael Tawiah. The report also states that they informed investigators they were not paid for carrying out the exercise.

Emmanuel Mawusi (Family Head), second defendant

These statements are contained in the police investigation report and have not been reproduced here as findings of a court.

The High Court Case

Following the police investigation, the children of the deceased instituted a civil action at the High Court, Hohoe, against six defendants:

• Rev. Fr. Raphael Tawiah
• Emmanuel Mawusi
• Richard Pidah
• George Agbezuge
• Bright Daffor
• Joseph Ngo

In their Statement of Claim, the plaintiffs ask the court to declare the exhumation unlawful, award general, aggravated and punitive damages, order a forensic examination of the remains, direct that Mrs Anna Klu Apreku be reburied at Kpando Gadza, award GH¢10,000 in special damages and permanently restrain any future interference with her remains.

The plaintiffs further claim they have suffered severe emotional distress, psychological trauma and public embarrassment as a result of the disturbance of their mother's grave.

These claims remain before the High Court for determination.

Questions Beyond the Courtroom

Beyond the legal issues, the case has generated broader public discussion about the relationship between customary burial practices and Ghana's statutory laws, the authority of families to decide burial arrangements, and the legal procedures governing exhumation.

It has also raised broader questions about how disputes involving family customs and traditional practices should be resolved while respecting the rule of law.

A Continuing Investigation

This article is Part One of Akpini News & Tours' investigative series on the Kpando Gadza Exhumation Case.

In Part Two, we will take readers through the Ghana Police Service's investigation in greater detail, examining the investigative process, the evidence gathered, and the observations made by investigators.

Read Also: From Police Investigation to High Court: The Legal Battle Deepens Over Exhumation of Anna Klu Apreku as Both Families File Competing Lawsuits

Below is the police report for your perusal👇👇

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Editor's Note

This report is based on the Administrative Report on Exhumation at Kpando-Gadza of Late Mrs. Anna Klu Apreku dated 5 June 2026 and the Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim filed in Suit No. VR/HO/HC/E13/26/2026 before the High Court, Hohoe. References to the plaintiffs' allegations are drawn from the court pleadings, while references to the investigation are based on the police report. The civil proceedings remain pending, and the matters described in this report are subject to determination by the court. Akpini News & Tours remains committed to fair, accurate and balanced reporting by presenting the positions of all parties as this investigative series continues.

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