Coronavirus: Court fines stubborn Nkwakaw pastor GHC1,200

The Nkawkaw District Magistrate Court presided over by His Worship Albert Kwasi Owusu has convicted Pastor of Kingdom of God Church who was arrested for holding Church Service Sunday despite the ban on public gathering to a fine of GhC1,200 in default serves eighteen (18) imprisonment in hard labour.

The convict, Pastor John Jeremiah Addo, pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful assembly and offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace when he was put before the court Tuesday, March 24, 2020 by Prosecutor Chief Inspector Emmanuel Ankra.

The Pastor has since paid the fine.

Background

The Nkawkaw District Police Command in the Eastern Region arrested the pastor at Amanfrom a suburb of Nkawkaw for holding Church Service on Sunday.

The Pastor of Kingdom of God Church, Pastor John Jeremiah Addo,40, was arrested after a sub-Chief of the community Nana Mireku Asumeng reported him to the Police.

The day Patrol team from Nkawkaw quickly stormed the Church where the Pastor was seen holding service with 50 congregants. He was arrested while the Congregants were dispersed.

During interrogation, the Pastor told Police he did not understand why government has closed down Churches but allows traders to sell at the market.

On Wednesday, March 18, 2020, a Prayer Camp was shut down by the Akuapem South District Security Council (DISEC)in the Eastern Region for flouting President Akufo Addo’s directing on suspension of Church activities.

The founder of the Prayer Camp-The Break of Mountains Prayer Camp located at Pokrom community near Aburi, Prophetess Veronica Okai, was arrested alongside his Church Elder.

Ghana has recorded 52 confirmed cases of Covid-19 with two fatalities as at March 24, 2020. The first case was recorded on March 13, 2020.