The Healers by Ayi Lwei Armah opens with the brutal murder of Appia, the prince of Esuano. His mother Araba Jesiwa, who went missing after the attack, is also believed to be dead. The protagonist of this story, Densu, thinks back to a memory he has of Appia. The two were competitors in the ceremonial games of the festival season, and Densu was defeated by Appia, because he refused to kill a pigeon during the shooting competition.

Densu is cared for by his guardian Ababio, a greedy man who encourages Densu to pursue a career in politics so he might gain power and wealth. However, Densu dreams of joining the community of healers in the eastern forest.

Due to Ababio's ploys for power, Densu becomes a suspect in Appia's murder. He discovers that Ababio has planned to kill him by calling for a trial in which Densu must drink poison to determine his innocence or guilt. However, Densu escapes and joins the healer commune.

The leader of the healers in Damfo. He is treating two very important patients: Appia's mother Araba Jesiwa, who is injured and in shock after the attack that killed her son, and Asamoa Nkwanta, Appia's uncle and the general of the Asante army who is suffering from depression.

Damfo disagrees with many aspects of the Asante culture, such as slaveholding and ritualistic human sacrifice. Throughout the healing process, he convinces Asamoa Nkwanta of these failings.

Densu is brought to trial again under the English courts and is found innocent thanks to the testimony of Araba Jesiwa. She implicates Ababio, who is now king of the Esuano, and he is tried for murder.