A 38-year-old pastor of the Abuakwa branch of Miracle House Ministry in the Ashanti Region, has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment with hard labour by the Tarkwa Circuit Court for raping a 19-year-old deaf and dumb woman who is seven months pregnant.

Philip Osei Tutu pleaded not guilty.

Prosecuting, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Albert A. Adiita told the court presided over by Mr Samuel Obeng Diawuo that on November 27, this year, the convict visited one Joshua Tetteh the Asankrangwa branch pastor of the Miracle House Ministry.

According to the Prosecutor, on December 1, Osei Tutu went to Asankra-Saa for preaching and deliverance, and on December 3 around 13:30 hours, the victim and her colleague Rita Adofo were passing by when the convict who was preaching called and informed them that Adofo will not live to celebrate the Christmas festivity and Arthur will also not have safe delivery.

DSP Adiita said Osei Tutu directed the two to his house for special prayers and deliverance.

He said when the victim and Adofo went to the convict house he asked them separately to buy a bottle of voltic water and after praying on it Arthur claimed he put a medicine in it and asked her to drink it and use the remaining to take her bath.

The Prosecutor said Osei Tutu asked the victim to offer some money as thanks giving but Arthur who was not having money on her went home and returned with 20 Ghana cedis for the offertory.

DSP Adiita said when she got to the house the convict lured her into his room and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her.

He said the victim reported the incident to Adofo and a report was made to the police after which the victim was issued with a medical report form.

The Prosecutor said when the convict was arrested he denied the offense in his statement but the victim who testified in sign language in court said Osei Tutu raped her. DSP Adiita said after investigation he was charged with the offense.