The Oyarifa District Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man in connection with a defilement case involving a nine-year-old girl.

In a statement issued by the police on Thursday, March 19, police said the suspect, Pastor Paul Kofi Annan of Chosen Breed Gospel International Ministry, and a carpenter residing at Adenta Commandos, was arrested on March 17, 2026, following a complaint lodged by the complainant.

It said that preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect, who is the stepfather of the victim, had been cohabiting with the complainant since 2023 and formally married her on February 20, 2026.

The police said the victim disclosed to her grandfather during a visit to Cape Coast that the suspect "subjected her to repeated sexual abuse over a period of about three years", including forcibly having sexual intercourse with her and engaging in other acts of sexual misconduct whenever the complainant was not at home.

Further investigation revealed that the victim was threatened by the suspect in the words "I will kill you if you inform anyone about this" to prevent her from disclosing the incidents to anyone.

The statement said that the suspect was subsequently arrested, cautioned, and is currently in Police custody, assisting with investigations.

The Accra Regional Police Command assured the public of its commitment to protecting children and urged parents and guardians to promptly report any suspected abuse or threats to the Police for swift intervention.

Read the full statement below