A pastor based in Cape Coast has been remanded into custody after appearing before an Accra court over allegations that videos involving children were found on his mobile phone.
The accused, Reverend Dr. Ebenezer Conduah, is the head pastor of Mahanaim Christian Centre, located at Ankaful in Cape Coast.
He was arraigned before the Adenta Circuit Court on Sunday, March 8, 2026, on provisional charges relating to alleged indecent images of a child and dealing with a child for sexual exploitation under the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038).
The court did not take his plea and ordered that he be remanded into prison custody pending further proceedings.
Arrest and Investigation
According to prosecutors, the pastor was arrested on March 6, 2026, at his residence in Woraba, Eguase, a suburb of Cape Coast.
Investigators reportedly conducted a search of the apartment and retrieved several items including:
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Two hard drives
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Two memory cards
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A computer system unit
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Other materials considered relevant to the investigation
Authorities indicated that the items have been secured for evidential purposes as forensic analysis continues.
Role of Cyber Security Authority
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) is listed as the complainant in the case.
Prosecutor Fuseini Yakubi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, told the court that the CSA had been requested to assist with digital forensic analysis.
The request came from the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) in Cape Coast as part of ongoing investigations connected to several defilement cases already pending before a circuit court in the city.
During the forensic examination of digital devices, investigators reportedly discovered materials suspected to involve child abuse content.
Court Proceedings
Prosecutors said preliminary investigations suggested that one of the videos allegedly found on the device involved a minor.
During questioning, the accused reportedly confirmed recording the video and acknowledged that the voice heard in the background was his.
However, investigators told the court that the pastor declined to provide further statements without first consulting legal counsel.
Jurisdiction and Next Court Appearance
Although the case was presented before the Adenta Circuit Court, prosecutors explained that the court does not have jurisdiction to try the matter.
The arraignment was conducted to comply with Ghana’s constitutional requirement that a suspect must be presented before a court within 48 hours of arrest.
The accused is expected to appear before the High Court of Ghana later this week where the case will proceed.
Ongoing Digital Forensic Analysis
Authorities say the investigation remains active, with additional digital devices recovered during the arrest expected to undergo forensic examination.
Officials indicated that findings from the Cyber Security Authority’s digital forensic laboratory could influence the direction of the case.
Law enforcement agencies have reiterated their commitment to protecting children and ensuring that all allegations involving abuse are thoroughly investigated.
