Pastor remanded for defiling deaf and dumb girl

A Tarkwa circuit court has remanded Philip Osei Tutu, a pastor of Miracle House Ministry Abuakwa branch in Kumasi for defiling a 19-year-old deaf and dumb girl at Asankra-Saa in the Western Region.

He pleaded not guilty and will re-appear before the court on December 16.

Prosecuting Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Albert Adiita told the court presided over by Mr Samuel Obeng Diawuo that on November 27, the accused visited one Joshua Tetteh a branch pastor at Asankrangwa.

He said on December 1, the accused went to Asankra-Saa for preaching and deliverance.

According to the Prosecutor, on December 3, at about 1330 hours, the victim and her colleague Adofo Rita were passing by when the accused invited them to his house and told them that they possessed some demons and opted to pray for their deliverance.

DSP Adiita said in the course of the prayers, Osei Tutu asked Rita to leave and lured the victim into his room and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her.

The Prosecutor said the victim narrated her ordeal to her colleague and the accused was subsequently arrested.

He said Osei Tutu admitted the offense in his cautioned statement and was accordingly charged with the offense of defilement.