Pastor granted bail for sexual harassment

Winneba, Oct. 6, GNA - The Winneba District Magistrate's court has granted 2,000 Ghana cedis bail to Joseph Koomson, a pastor of the Fellowship Church of Winneba, for sexually harassing a 16-year-old girl who went for deliverance.

Koomson pleaded not guilt and would re-appear on October 19. Detective police Inspector Victor Darke told the court that pastor Koomson was a regular preacher on a local radio station at Winneba. He said during his normal preaching on September 23, Madam Adisa Mohammed called him on phone from Gomoa Pomadze near Winneba Junction and complained of her marital problems. The prosecution said Pastor Koomson invited her to his house the following day at Winneba and she went with her junior sister who had come from Kumasi on holidays.

He said the pastor told the woman to bring anointing oil for some prayers for her five-month old baby. The pastor alleged that some evil spirits were tormenting the baby and requested the sister to come to him on September 26 for deliverance and prayers.

He said on September 26 the victim went to the pastor and after a short prayer he locked the door and asked her to spend the night with him. The prosecution said Koomson "had sexual contact with the girl but no penetration" and gave her 03 Ghana cedis for her transport home the following morning. The girl reported her ordeal to the police and Koomson was arrested and in his caution statement he admitted the offence but claimed it was with the consent of the victim.