Preacher Remanded for Alleged Incest and Causing Harm to Daughter

Godwin Asher, a 40-year-old preacher, has been remanded by the Kwabenya Circuit Court into police custody over alleged incest and causing harm to his 17-year-old biological daughter.

Not Guilty Plea

Asher, a mason, pleaded not guilty to both charges. His counsel, Mr. Godfred Anim Darko, argued that the accusations arose from disciplinary action taken against the victim, who had allegedly stayed away from home for several days. He said the prosecution’s facts differed from what his client told him, insisting Asher had raised the victim since childhood and denied any sexual abuse.

Bail Request Denied

Mr. Anim Darko proposed that the victim be placed in the care of one of her uncles and requested bail, stating Asher was not a flight risk and had family and congregants present in court ready to stand as sureties. The prosecution opposed bail, arguing that Asher lived in the same house as the victim. The court refused the application and remanded him to reappear on August 25, 2025.

Allegations and Investigation

According to the prosecution, the complainant, a 64-year-old beautician and neighbour of the accused at Ashongman Estate, saw the victim bleeding from her right palm on August 2, 2025. Upon inquiry, the victim reportedly said she sustained the injury when her father pulled a cutlass from her during an alleged beating.

The complainant assisted the victim to the police station to lodge a complaint. Investigations revealed that the accused had allegedly been having sexual intercourse with the victim, with the last incident occurring on July 30, 2025. A police medical form was issued, and the victim was examined and treated.