Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Police in Ghana’s Ashanti Region have arrested a pastor and an accomplice after they were allegedly found attempting to bury a five-month-old baby alive in the Atwima Mponua District, in a case that has triggered shock and ongoing investigations.
The suspect, identified as Apostle Dr. Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, who serves as head pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, and his unnamed accomplice were taken into custody by police in Bibiani following an alert raised by a community member who witnessed suspicious activity at a refuse dump late on Sunday night.
According to eyewitness account provided by a local resident, Winfred Agbah, the incident occurred around 11 p.m. on April 12 when he observed the pastor and his accomplice at the dump site with the infant under circumstances that raised concern.
He said he intervened after realising the baby was still alive, adding that the suspects’ actions suggested an intention to bury the child alive before he raised an alarm that drew attention from others in the area.
The Chief Linguist of Abofrem, Nana Yaw Badu, stated that the pastor had earlier approached him claiming the child was deceased and requesting permission for burial, a claim which he later discovered to be untrue as the infant was found alive.
Police authorities in Bibiani confirmed that both suspects are currently in custody while preliminary investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.
The baby has been transferred to the Abofrem Clinic where medical personnel are providing treatment and monitoring the child’s condition following the rescue from the alleged scene.
The case has drawn significant public concern in the local community, where residents expressed shock over the alleged act, while authorities emphasized that investigations are ongoing to establish motive and verify all circumstances surrounding the incident before any formal charges are concluded.
Under Ghanaian law, allegations involving attempted harm to a child are treated as serious criminal matters, with police required to conduct thorough investigations before forwarding case files to prosecutorial authorities for further action.
The Ghana Police Service has in recent years reiterated its commitment to child protection and community safety, often urging residents to report suspicious activities promptly to prevent harm and assist timely intervention in similar cases.
Investigators are expected to continue gathering evidence from the scene, including physical materials reportedly recovered during the incident, as well as statements from witnesses and local authorities who responded to the alarm raised by the eyewitness in Bibiani.
Community members in Abofrem and surrounding areas have reportedly expressed concern over the incident, with many calling for increased vigilance and stronger protection mechanisms for children, particularly in rural communities where access to rapid emergency response services may be limited.
Child protection advocates note that cases involving infants require urgent and coordinated responses from law enforcement, health professionals, and community leaders to ensure immediate safety and long-term welfare of the child involved in such incidents.
Traditional leadership structures, such as the office of the Chief Linguist mentioned in this case, often play a role in mediating community concerns and liaising with formal authorities during sensitive incidents in many Ghanaian districts.
Religious institutions in the region have also previously been part of public discussions on accountability and conduct, particularly in cases where allegations involve individuals associated with faith-based organisations.
Medical personnel at the Abofrem Clinic are reported to be monitoring the condition of the infant closely following the rescue, with attention focused on ensuring stabilization and recovery after the distressing circumstances of the incident.
Following standard procedure, if sufficient evidence is established, the suspects are expected to be formally charged and arraigned before a competent court of law, where further determinations regarding bail or detention will be made.
News of the incident has begun circulating widely on social media platforms, where users have expressed shock and called for justice, while also urging caution until official investigations are concluded.
Ghana has in recent years strengthened its legal framework on child rights and protection, including policies aimed at preventing abuse, neglect, and exploitation of minors through coordinated institutional responses.
Security experts often emphasize the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement in rural and semi-urban areas to ensure timely reporting of suspicious activities and prevention of potential crimes.
Incidents involving infants tend to have a profound emotional impact on communities, often prompting calls for stronger safeguarding measures and increased awareness campaigns to protect vulnerable children.
Authorities are expected to maintain public communication as investigations progress, with updates likely to be provided once preliminary findings are consolidated and reviewed by relevant prosecutorial bodies.
Governing authorities typically treat cases involving alleged harm to infants with heightened sensitivity due to the vulnerability of the victims, ensuring that investigative and judicial processes prioritize both accountability and child welfare considerations throughout proceedings.
In rural districts such as Atwima Mponua, access to emergency services and rapid response infrastructure can present challenges, making timely community reporting and local intervention critical in addressing urgent incidents.
The investigation into the alleged incident remains ongoing as police continue to piece together accounts from witnesses, community leaders, and the individuals arrested in connection with the case, while ensuring that all relevant evidence is properly documented and preserved for review by prosecutorial authorities responsible for determining the next steps in the judicial process. Authorities have reiterated that due process will be followed in handling the matter, with emphasis placed on fairness, transparency, and adherence to legal standards as investigations advance toward possible prosecution or dismissal depending on the outcome of findings. The police further urged members of the public to remain calm and allow investigative processes to proceed without interference, stressing that premature conclusions could undermine the integrity of the case and the pursuit of justice for all parties involved in the matter under review. Community stakeholders have called for sustained dialogue between authorities and residents to prevent misinformation and ensure that attention remains focused on facts as the investigation continues in the coming days under ongoing official review process now
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