Bekwai: The harrowing story of the murder of 9-year-old Kofi Kyinto continues to unravel, revealing how Ghana's late President, Jerry John Rawlings, and an ex-serviceman known as 'Soldier' allegedly played pivotal roles in ending a series of ritual killings in Bekwai nearly 40 years ago.
According to Ghana Web, the gruesome murder of young Kofi Kyinto, allegedly beheaded by his uncle Afi for money rituals, involved several individuals including Kofi Nkrabea, popularly known as KG, Jomo, and Yaw Kwarteng. An ex-serviceman, referred to as 'Soldier,' is said to have infiltrated the group under the guise of seeking employment at one of KG's sawmill companies, gaining their trust and witnessing their heinous deeds.
The narrator of the story recounted that 'Soldier' was sent by Rawlings to Sefwi Bekwai, where he pretended to be in search of a job, eventually becoming close to KG and even accompanying him on travels to Accra. Despite witnessing one of the killings, 'Soldier' refrained from reporting it immediately due to a lack of evidence.
The murder of Kofi Kyinto set off a chain of events leading to the arrest of the culprits. After the murder, Afi was supposed to meet KG with the child's severed head, but with KG in Accra, Jomo and Yaw Kwarteng allegedly plotted to kill Afi to profit more from the rituals. Suspecting a setup, Afi fled, only to be caught by 'Soldier,' who then orchestrated the capture of the other members by alerting authorities in Accra.
Afi's suspicion of betrayal grew when Jomo and Yaw Kwarteng mentioned 'Soldier's' name, prompting him to flee with the head. 'Soldier' reportedly intercepted Afi, retrieved the head, and took him to Sefwi Bekwai, concealing him in a vehicle to protect him until authorities could arrest the rest of the group.
The story culminates in the execution of KG, Afi, Jomo, and Yaw Kwarteng by firing squad, a decision reportedly ordered by Jerry John Rawlings, who was President at the time. Following their execution, soldiers purportedly warned residents against organizing funerals for the executed individuals.