Police have arrested a 26-year-old fetish priest, Ebenezer Asumah, residing in Sawer-Sum, a suburb of Somanya in the Eastern Region, for allegedly defiling a 15-year-old girl, which resulted in pregnancy.
The complainant, Animo Mavis, a 27-year-old seamstress and relative of the victim, reported the alleged crime to police after the minor fell ill.
The victim, Florence Ladjer, who lives with her grandmother in the same area as Asumah, was subsequently diagnosed with pregnancy at a health facility in Somanya.
Investigations led by D/PW/INSPR. Leticia Acheampomaa revealed that on August 5, 2025, Asumah allegedly convinced the victim’s grandmother to allow the girl to assist him with cooking at his home. He reportedly claimed to be injured and in need of help. Out of sympathy, the grandmother permitted Florence to assist him.
Police reports indicate that she prepared a meal of banku, pepper, and fish for Asumah. After the meal, he allegedly locked the victim in his room and proceeded to have sexual intercourse with her.
According to the victim’s statement, the act occurred on three separate occasions.
On October 22, 2025, after Florence fell ill, Mavis took her to the hospital, where pregnancy was confirmed. During questioning, the victim identified Asumah as responsible, prompting Mavis to file a formal complaint with the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) at Akuse.
Following the complaint, a police medical report form was issued, and the victim was taken to the Akuse Government Hospital for further examination. Medical professionals confirmed that she was approximately 11 weeks pregnant.
DOVVSU subsequently filed a formal complaint at the police station, leading to the suspect’s arrest on October 23, 2025.
Upon his arrest, Asumah reportedly admitted to the sexual acts in his cautionary statement but claimed the victim had consented to a relationship.
His argument, was, however, rejected given the victim’s minor status.
Asumah has been formally charged with the alleged rape of a minor and has been presented before the court, with further investigations ongoing.
