Pastor Lawrence Nii Narku Odonkor, former pastor of Lighthouse Chapel International (Akyem Oda branch), who was accused of stealing over GH¢7,000 belonging to the church, has been acquitted and discharged.
Appearing before an Accra Circuit Court earlier, Pastor Odonkor pleaded not guilty to two counts of stealing and for dishonestly appropriating the Church’s GH¢7,054 meant for the payment of his own SSNIT contributions and taxes.
The Court presided over by Mrs Ellen Ofei Ayeh, in her judgement delivered on Friday September 15, 2023, held that although there was appropriation on the part of Pastor Odonkor, same was not done dishonestly.
According to the Court, at the time of resigning from the Church, Pastor Odonkor asked a Senior Bishop whether he had any financial obligation, but the response was no.
The Court, therefore, acquitted, and discharged Pastor Odonkor after he went through full trial.
Pastor Odonkor was among six pastors who sued the Lighthouse Chapel over their Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) contributions.
Meanwhile, sources at the Church say the church would scrutinize the entire judgement and appeal against it.
The prosecution’s case was that the accused, who was responsible for the day-to-day administration of the branch, signed cheques and filled vouchers in March and April of 2020 for his salary, which comprised his salary, SSNIT and tax components.
According to prosecution, even though it was clearly stated on the vouchers and cheques that he filled and signed them, those specific sums of money “were” for the payment of SSNIT contributions and taxes, he deposited them in his personal accounts and failed to pay the tax components and SSNIT contributions.
The Church had to later pay those SSNIT contributions and taxes with penalties.
The Church, after the payment, lodged complaint with the Police.
Latest Stories
-
MTN FA Cup: Bofoakwa Tano beat Dreams FC to set up final against Nsoatreman
3 hours -
3 policemen interdicted over Adugyama voters registration disturbance
3 hours -
Police cautions against violations at voter registration centre
5 hours -
Limited registration: Collins Dauda arrested over Kuokuom disturbance
5 hours -
Ibrahim Sadiq scores and assists as AZ Alkmaar beat GA Eagles in Eredivisie
5 hours -
Disregard fake post about Mahama’s absence at Asantehene’s birthday – Aide
6 hours -
Elect a competent leader, ignore tribal and religious sentiments – Dan Botwe to Ghanaians
7 hours -
Inaki Williams scores 100th Athletic Club goal in draw with Osasuna
7 hours -
I’ve announced my arrival in the best league in the world – Mohammed Kudus
8 hours -
Don’t believe every story you see about me – Safo Newman
8 hours -
Richard Ahiagbah refutes claims of causing chaos at voters’ registration centre
10 hours -
Andre Ayew hits 200-game mark in Ligue 1
10 hours -
Franklin Cudjoe lauds Afari Gyan’s pragmatic leadership during his tenure as EC boss
10 hours -
Israel orders more evacuations as Rafah fighting intensifies
11 hours -
Connielove Dzodzegbe: The childless mother
14 hours