In the wake of his son’s tragic death, Frank Mensah Abdullah, father of 10-year-old Ishmael Mensah Abdullah, is advocating for reform, urging Ghana’s Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation to take a firm stance against media promotion of “money rituals” and “money-doubling” schemes. Abdullah argues that these advertisements fuel a dangerous culture of superstition and desperation, driving impressionable youth toward criminal activity with promises of instant wealth.
Abdullah, whose son was murdered in Kasoa in what police described as a ritual killing attempt by two young men, remembers when the Ministry initiated measures against such advertisements on television. Yet, he believes the efforts were only a beginning and must now be broadened to include radio platforms, which, he asserts, frequently promote schemes under the guise of spiritual guidance and miracle wealth.
“The government must enforce regulations to prevent media channels from advertising these schemes, especially radio stations,” Abdullah emphasized. “This crackdown started on TV; now we need it across all forms of media to prevent others from being influenced by these harmful messages.”
Abdullah expressed relief that Nicholas Kini, one of the offenders, has received a life sentence. However, he voiced disappointment in the legal system’s approach to Kini’s accomplice, a 15-year-old, who was tried in juvenile court. He believes the laws around juvenile sentencing should be reconsidered, particularly for severe crimes like murder.
“The government must re-examine the law that sends juveniles to detention centers in cases involving grave offenses,” he urged, hoping for systemic changes that could serve as a deterrent. “We’re relieved justice was served, but this incident has burdened our family with grief and financial hardship. We’re hoping for better safeguards for other families in the future.”
