Fetish slaves freed in Ghana

Ghana (MNN) — It’s a practice that’s gone on in Ghana for decades. Trokosi, the practice where young virgin girls are offered to fetish priests as reparation for the sins of family members.

Every Child Ministries is in Ghana securing the freedom of 95 slave girls. Every Child’s John Rouster says his wife Lorella is there participating. “Lorella is in the Volta region with our African staff,” he says. Rouster says, “The country of Ghana passed legislation in 1998 against this, but they have not been enforcing it. So, Christian organizations have been negotiating and facilitating with the Trokosi shrines to liberate the women. And, this is the second one in one year that Every Child has helped out with.”

One they’re released they’re allowed to go home. However, Rouster says this isn’t the end. He says, “Lord willing Every Child Ministries will be following up with counselors for the women and helping get the children in the school system. There has been an excellent reception of the women to Christ with other groups and Every Child Ministries. The women have been liberated when they hear the Good News about Jesus Christ.”

This liberation isn’t the end of this program. Rouster says, “There’s still between 1,500 to 2,000 women in the country of Ghana that are in this system. Negotiations can take anywhere from one to four years usually. Some shines are even refusing to negotiate.

Pray for the safety of the team as they travel. Pray too that these women who are freed will come to Christ.