The testimonies of nine principal witnesses in the alleged defilement case against Ahmed Rashid, also known as Anaata, in Wa, Upper West Region, have concluded behind closed doors before the court. The witnesses, all survivors of the alleged defilement, began appearing in court on Monday, August 14.
Mr Saeed Abdul Shakur, a Principal State Attorney, shared details of the witnesses’ testimonies with the Ghana News Agency after the court hearing. He stated, “All of them had given testimonies of how it happened, how he took them home, sometimes how he sent them to the bush, sometimes to uncompleted building.”
According to Mr Shakur, the girls recounted disturbing incidents involving Ahmed Rashid. “According to the girls, there was a wedding at ‘Flattop’ where he was the MC. After the event, he asked them to wait for him. He took them to his house, prepared food for them, and then had sexual intercourse with them. He gave each girl GH₵10.00 after the act.”
“One survivor testified that he took her to an unrecalled place at Zongo. Her friend reassured her that nothing would happen. However, the accused forced himself on her using saliva as lubricant. The incident was painful, but he persisted.”
Mr Shakur also revealed that a Medical Doctor from the Wa Municipal Hospital and an investigator are expected to testify in an open court on Tuesday, August 22. Due to their prior commitments, the witnesses are scheduled to return to Wa on Monday, August 21.
The case is being presided over by Mr Jonathan Avogo at the Wa Circuit Court. The accused, Ahmed Rashid, aged about 35 years, faces 20 counts of defilement, attempted defilement, and indecent assault, all of which he has denied in court. He is known as a popular master of ceremony for Islamic weddings in the Wa area.
The trial continues with the anticipation of more testimony and evidence to shed light on the allegations and determine the course of justice.
GNA
