A verdict has been reached in the case involving the physical abuse of a five-week-old baby during a church service, as declared by Mawukoenya Nutekpor, the District Magistrate of the Bolgatanga District Court.
The Head Pastor of Jesus Spanner Miracle Church, Reverend Kwabena Atogpeelige, along with five other individuals connected to the incident, have been found guilty and received appropriate sentencing.
All six accused individuals admitted their guilt in physically abusing the child, leading to a collective fine of GHC 15,000 and a seven-day prison term as ordered by the judge.
The video evidence presented during the trial showed two women involved, with one of them seen swinging the baby. In light of their circumstances, the judge determined individual fines for each woman. The woman directly responsible for swinging the child has been fined GHC 3,000, while the pastor’s wife has been fined GHC 2,400.
Regarding the three men, including the head pastor, the judge imposed a fine of GHC 2,400 each and sentenced them to one week of imprisonment at the Navrongo Prison center.
The judge clarified that the decision not to imprison the two women was based on their breastfeeding status, as they were caring for children under the age of two, which necessitated special consideration.
This court ruling serves to ensure justice for the victim and to serve as a deterrent against similar actions in the future.
