Church usher to face defilement charges

Awutu Bereku (C/R), March 29, GNA - The Awutu Bereku Magistrate Court on Wednesday, committed a 25-year-old barber to stand trial at the Swedru Circuit Court for allegedly defiling about 10 school boys and girls aged between nine and twelve.

Akwasi Amofa, an usher and a prayer warrior of the Kasoa branch of the Blessed Chapel International, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of defilement and would reappear in court on Tuesday April 3, 2007. Prosecuting, Chief Inspector Helena Aidoo, told the court presided over by Mr Charles A Wilson, that the school children are residing with their parents at CP, a suburb of Kasoa whiles the accused was also residing in the same vicinity.

She said about four months ago, the accused was a friend of the families of the children who normally went to cut their hair at the barber's saloon after school.

Police Inspector Aidoo told the court that the accused took advantage of his relationship with children started exhibiting his homosexual activities by inserting his penis into their anus and private part while kissing them.

She said this continued for about five times during which the accused threatened to kill the poor victims if they disclosed their ordeal to anyone.

According to the prosecution the accused was subsequently arrested after reports had made by the parents of the children to the Kasoa Police, which after investigations charged the barber with the offence. She told the Court that a fresh case of defilement had also been registered against the accused and pleaded with the Judge to commit Amofa to higher court for trial.