Distinguished archaeologist and Dean of the School of Arts at the University of Ghana, Prof. Wazi Apoh, has publicly refuted a viral social media narrative that falsely attributes a claim about the biblical Mother Mary residing in Ghana’s Volta Region to his research. The fabrication originated from a video featuring a tour guide at the Volta Regional Museum, who incorrectly cited Prof. Apoh’s work as evidence for the assertion that ‘Mother Mary spent 40 years in Agbenoxoe,’ a town in Kpando.
Setting the Record Straight on Academic Research
In a formal press statement released on Monday, April 27, 2026, Prof. Apoh unequivocally dismissed the claims as ‘outrageous and false.’ He emphasized that his extensive research in the Agbenoxoe community, conducted from 1996 to the present, has never yielded any evidence or stories supporting such a narrative.
“I have neither documented, written, nor published any such claim anywhere that would justify linking my name to this story,” Prof. Apoh stated. He characterized the misinformation as a defamatory misrepresentation of his professional legacy and academic integrity.
Formal Actions to Protect Reputation
To address the damaging falsehood, Prof. Apoh has initiated swift administrative actions. He has officially notified Mr. Essel Blankson, the Acting Executive Director of the Volta Regional Museum, and Ms. Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts.
Prof. Apoh has formally requested that both the Ministry and the Museum management issue an immediate press release to retract the false report and clear his name. Furthermore, he has demanded an immediate cessation of circulation for all social media posts perpetuating this false narrative and associating him with it.
A Legacy of Academic Integrity and Historical Research
Prof. Wazi Apoh is a highly respected figure in the global archaeological community. His academic contributions are significant, particularly his work on the archaeology of colonisation and his dedicated advocacy for the repatriation of looted African artefacts.
His research, including his influential book ‘Revelations of Domination and Resilience,’ meticulously focuses on the tangible past of the Akpini and Akan peoples during the German and British colonial eras. This academic rigor stands in stark contrast to the unsubstantiated claims now circulating.
The Challenge of Digital Misinformation
The professor’s demand for a retraction highlights the escalating challenge posed by ‘fake news’ and the ease with which academic research can be misinterpreted or deliberately misrepresented. This incident underscores the need for greater vigilance in verifying information shared online, especially when it pertains to historical and academic matters.
The misattribution by an unauthorized guide at a museum, a place traditionally seen as a repository of factual information, further complicates the issue. It raises questions about museum protocols, staff training, and the potential for such institutions to inadvertently become conduits for misinformation.
Looking Ahead: Verifying Narratives and Museum Accountability
This incident serves as a potent reminder of the fragility of reputation in the digital age and the critical importance of fact-checking, particularly concerning historical narratives. The public awaits the response from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and the Volta Regional Museum regarding Prof. Apoh’s demands for a retraction and the dissemination of accurate information.
Moving forward, the focus will be on how effectively these institutions address the misinformation and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences. The case also prompts reflection on the responsibility of social media users and influencers to critically evaluate and verify the sources of information they share, especially when it involves academic research and cultural heritage.
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