From Sebewie to Sebetutu: A Theological and Missiological Analysis of the Life and Ministry of Prophet Sampson Kwame Oppong
Authors: Boaheng Isaac 
Published: October 2022

Many a man has failed to realize his lifelong ambitions on account of his physical, physiological and mental inadequacies. A lot more men in the quest for success have stumbled and accomplished nothing significant as a result of their ailing backgrounds. Lacking the wits and inspiration to fulfill their ambitions, some seek the assistance of demonic forces to turn their fortunes around; yet, to no avail. For such individuals and in particular, people who aspire to have a fruitful evangelistic and prophetic ministry, Rev. Dr. Boaheng’s incisive book on Prophet Sampson Kwame Oppong’s rise from ashes to fame as one of Africa’s foremost indigenous prophets is highly recommended for their reading. The wondrous exploits of Prophet Sampson Kwame Oppong, a man of slavery descent, born in a midget house in hinterland Akontanim (Dormaa kingdom) in the Bono Region of Ghana, lead readers to the knowledge that Christ is not merely the answer to our most intractable problems and afflictions, but he also provides us the zeal to do the impossibly impossible. Prophet Oppong was a slave boy who began his adolescent life as a traditional priest and a magician, destroying many lives through magical activities. God called the renowned traditionalist and serial prisoner to repentance through many dramatic experiences but he resisted until he was finally arrested by the Holy Spirit through a-deep-forest event. After his conversion, Prophet Oppong preached against the practices of fetish priests and destroyed charms and amulets. His ministry was characterized by miracles including healings and exorcisms through the power of the Holy Spirit. He tapped the pneumatic resources to deal with the spiritual needs of his audience. He encouraged his audience to look up to Christ and break away from their past. Though without formal education, he was endowed with a heavenly gift of reading fluently the verses of the Holy Bible on a miraculous stone he held in his hand. His powerful sermons and healing ministrations culminated in the conversion of thousands of heathens. As a sequel, the Methodist church in Ashanti and the then Bono-Ahafo Regions grew in leaps and bounds. Possessing enormous venom to destroy amulets, talismans and all kinds of charms, he was nicknamed Sebetutu. Prophet Oppong’s journey “From Sebewie to Sebetutu”1 demonstrates God’s ability to choose, prepare and use anyone for his purpose no matter the person’s background. The word “Sebewie” means “the one who ends life by magical powers” and “Sebetutu” means “the one who uproots and destroys amulets and charms.” Prophet Oppong acquired the two accolades owing to his two opposing professions—first as a traditional magician who used magic to “destroy” life and then as a Christian prophet and evangelist who used divine power to destroy charms and amulets. The rapid transformation of an ardent traditional believer and “illiterate” serial prisoner into a vibrant and accomplished Prophet of repute provides evidence of God’s transformational power to inspire succeeding generations. The book is written in a way that makes it accessible to the ordinary reader. It is for this reason that I do not hesitate to introduce this book to the reading public and recommend the inspiring story of Sebetutu to everyone who nurtures a desire to uncover the hidden mysteries of Christ. I do so with the hope that the Prophet’s indomitable personality, passion and selfless attitude will impact positively on you as you embark on a journey to read this soul-elevating life account of one of Africa’s Legendary Prophets.