Retired pastor found dead in suspected suicide

A tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning when Michael Ahiago, a retired pastor of the New Covenant Apostolic Church, was found dead in front of his house at Akatsi in the Volta Region.

The 70-year-old father-of-five was found hanging on a mango tree at around 5:30 am.

According to his widow, Mrs. Beatrice Ahiago, her husband had left the house unnoticed while she was preparing porridge for sale.

She stated that there were no signs of depression or distress when they retired to bed the previous night.

“I got up this dawn to prepare my porridge for sale without having any knowledge of my husband’s departure from home until we were told of the incident,” she said.

The general secretary of the Apostolic Vision Church International, Apostle Paul Gidigasu, who rushed to the scene, stated that Pastor Ahiago was an active member of the Akatsi Senior Ministers Association until his death.

He also admonished the family to be strong in these trying times.

“We are encouraging the widow and the family to be strong in the Lord in these difficult times,” he said.

The Assembly Member of the area, Edward Doe Adade, who confirmed the incident, stated that the death of the man of God was surprising.

“We saw some notes with the deceased, but the police will do their work regarding the circumstances surrounding this incident,” he added.

Pastor Ahiago, who served God for years, had his retirement service in 2021 at the Mafi Kumase Branch of the New Covenant Apostolic Church before his demise.

The body has since been conveyed to the St. Paul’s Hospital Morgue by the Akatsi police, awaiting further examinations.

The community has come together to support the widow and family, with many residents, church members, chiefs, and pastors gathering at the deceased’s house to offer condolences.