In a deeply disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Cape Coast community, Reverend Dr. Ebenezer Conduah, the head pastor of Mahanaim Christian Centre in Ankaful, has been arraigned before the Adenta Circuit Court in Accra on charges related to child exploitation. The pastor, already facing trial for defilement at the Cape Coast Circuit Court, is now accused of recording and possessing indecent videos involving children.
Allegations and Arrest
Court documents reveal that among the material allegedly retrieved from the pastor’s devices was a video showing a naked child holding a white card with the web address of a popular pornographic website. A male voice, believed to be that of the accused, was heard instructing the child to state they were on the platform. The video is said to be part of a broader investigation into multiple cases of child sexual abuse linked to the pastor.
The accused was arrested on March 6, 2026, at his residence in Woraba, Eguase, Cape Coast. A thorough search of the premises led to the seizure of several items, including five mobile phones, two hard drives, two memory cards, a computer system unit, sex toys, and female underwear. These items have been retained as evidence for further investigation.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Reverend Dr. Conduah was arraigned before the Adenta Circuit Court on March 8, 2026, on two provisional counts: possessing indecent images or photographs of a child and exploiting a child for sexual purposes. These charges are in violation of Sections 62 and 63 of Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038).
Although the Adenta Circuit Court lacks jurisdiction to try such cases, the arraignment was necessary to comply with Ghana’s constitutional requirement that an arrested individual must be brought before a court within 48 hours. The accused has since been remanded into prison custody and is expected to appear before the High Court in Accra later this week.
The Role of the Cyber Security Authority
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA), acting as the complainant in this case, played a pivotal role in unearthing the alleged crimes. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Fuseini Yakubu, on December 8, 2025, the CSA received a request from the Regional Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) in Cape Coast to conduct forensic analyses on digital devices linked to eight ongoing defilement cases involving the accused.
The forensic examination conducted by CSA uncovered multiple materials suspected to contain child sexual abuse content. One particular video allegedly involved a child victim who is also connected to one of the defilement cases currently being tried in Cape Coast Circuit Court One.
Investigation Updates
During interrogation, Reverend Dr. Conduah reportedly admitted to recording one of the incriminating videos and confirmed that his voice was audible in the background. However, he refrained from providing further details without consulting his legal counsel.
DSP Yakubu informed the court that forensic analysis of the devices is still underway. The newly seized digital exhibits from the pastor’s residence will also be submitted to the CSA Digital Forensic Lab for further examination.
Community Reactions and Broader Implications
The case has sparked outrage and disbelief among members of the Mahanaim Christian Centre congregation and the wider Cape Coast community. As a trusted figure in his church and society at large, Reverend Dr. Conduah’s alleged actions represent a serious breach of trust and moral responsibility.
This incident also underscores the critical role of digital forensics in combating child exploitation crimes. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity authorities demonstrates Ghana’s commitment to addressing such heinous acts under its Cybersecurity Act.
Next Steps
As investigations continue and additional evidence is examined, all eyes will be on the High Court proceedings in Accra. The outcome of this case will not only determine justice for the victims but also send a strong message about accountability and the protection of children from exploitation.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable members of society. It also calls for collective action from communities, law enforcement agencies, and policymakers to ensure that predators are held accountable for their actions.
Further updates on this case will follow as new details emerge.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
