State Prosecutor amends charge sheet against Christ Embassy “Pneumatic Night” organizers

The charge sheet against some four persons who were arrested for their roles in breaching COVID-19 protocols during the Christ Embassy “Pneumatic Night” has been amended by the Prosecution.

The accused persons, Alex Asomani, Wilson Delali Agyemang, and Kumi Nutifafa who are all members of the church were charged for conspiracy to commit crime and three counts of failing to comply with COVID-19 restrictions that had been imposed on all religious associations.

The fourth, Edmond Dapaah was also charged for abetment of crime. He is the facility manager at the Fantasy Dome of the International Trade Fair Centre.

According to a report filed by GhanaWeb, all four persons pleaded not guilty to the charges and were admitted to bail in the sum of GHS80,000 with two sureties.

The Prosecutor, Chief Inspector Simon Apiorsornu informed that court that the Police received intelligence that the youth wing of the Christ Embassy church had organized an all-night service at the Fantasy Dome of the Trade Fair Center without complying with safety protocols issued to check the spread of COVID-19.

The said all-night service was held from April 30, 2021, to May 1, 2021. The police intelligence was however gathered on May 4, 2021, after video footage of the said service was uploaded to several social media platforms.

Participants seen in the video were conspicuously without face masks.

“Upon the intelligence gathered, the Police proceeded to the Trade Fair Center, where the Head of Security of the Center in the person of Justice Tuuru Konlan was met,” he said.

The prosecutor also noted that there wasn’t any fresh ventilation as the church relied on air conditioners and the program exceeded the maximum two-hour period allowed.

The news report further notes that on May 6, 2021, the organizers of the program Asomani, a National Service Personnel, Mr. Agyeman, an entrepreneur, and Mr. Kumo a businessman were arrested. Mr. Dapaah was also picked up for questioning.

The prosecutor further informed the court that the accused could not provide and tangible reasons for flouting the COVID-19 safety protocols.

Accordingly, the court which was presided over by Justice Ellen Offei Aryeh has ordered the Prosecution to make disclosures on documents that would be relied on during the trial.

A motion filed by the management of the Fantasy Dome concerning the closure of the facility will be heard by the court on 1st July 2021.

Meanwhile, the Prosecution has seven days within which a response to the motion is expected.