Court fines painter for insulting neighbour as witch

A Hohoe Magistrate Court has fined a 31-year-old painter GH¢1,200. He was found guilty of insulting his neighbor. He called her a witch and claimed she had "bitter flesh."

The painter, Fia Foli Philip, must also pay GH¢5,000 in compensation. The court ordered him to never call her a witch again.

Chief Inspector Charles Aziati prosecuted the case. He urged the court to punish the convict severely. This would deter others from calling older women witches.

He stated that such behavior is unacceptable and goes against our culture.

On December 28, 2021, Philip insulted the complainant outside her house. He shouted, “You are a witch,” and accused her of causing someone's death.

He also said her flesh was “bitter” and warned her not to try to kill him. At that time, the complainant was home with her disabled daughter.

The daughter witnessed the incident. The complainant reported it to police at Gbi-Bla, leading to Philip's arrest.