Bibiani, Ghana – A pastor and two other individuals, including the infant’s mother, have been remanded into custody by the Bibiani District Court following an alleged attempt to bury a five-month-old baby alive. The incident occurred at a refuse dump in Abofrem, near Bibiani, in the Western North Region, prompting swift legal action. The accused face charges including conspiracy to commit crime and attempted murder.
Background of the Case
The accused are identified as Richmond Frimpong, 36, a pastor operating under the title ‘Prophet’; Beatrice Agyapongmaa, 23, the baby’s mother and a hairdresser; and Emmanuel Appiah. An accomplice, 53-year-old farmer Donkor, remains at large. The court, presided over by Mr. Lord Delvin Essandoh, heard that pleas were not taken and a bail application was denied.
Details of the Alleged Crime
Prosecution, led by Chief Inspector B.O. Agyemang, detailed the events of April 10. A complainant, Winfred Agbah, a security guard and Unit Committee Member, received information about individuals attempting to bury a child at a refuse dump around 10 PM. Upon investigating, Agbah allegedly discovered Frimpong, Appiah, and Donkor preparing to bury the baby, who was wrapped in cloth and held by Appiah.
When confronted, the three individuals reportedly claimed the child was deceased. However, Agbah inspected the baby and found it to be alive. Frimpong allegedly attempted to convince Agbah to allow them to proceed with the burial, but Agbah refused and took the suspects to the Chief of Abofrem.
Spiritual Intervention and Alleged Euthanasia Plot
Further investigations revealed a complex chain of events leading to the attempted burial. Beatrice Agyapongmaa, the baby’s mother, sought help from Pastor Frimpong due to the infant’s reportedly unstable neck condition since birth. Frimpong allegedly informed Agyapongmaa that the child was considered an “Nsuoba” (a term often implying a spiritual burden) and required spiritual intervention.
According to the prosecution, Frimpong requested various items for rituals, including eggs, schnapps, powder, incense, a fowl, and a cannonball stone. Following these rituals, Frimpong allegedly assured Agyapongmaa that the baby would soon die and instructed her to return to Kumasi. When Agyapongmaa returned on April 9, 2026, and reported the baby was still alive, the prosecution stated that Frimpong suggested euthanasia, or mercy killing, as the best option.
Frimpong then allegedly asked Agyapongmaa to leave the child with him to “complete the process.” He later informed her that the baby had died. Emmanuel Appiah, who was visiting Frimpong, allegedly assisted in confirming the supposed death.
The Rescue and Legal Proceedings
The prosecution claims Frimpong, Appiah, and Donkor subsequently transported the baby to the refuse dump. There, Donkor allegedly dug a grave, and they attempted to bury the child. It was at this point that the complainant, Winfred Agbah, intervened and rescued the infant.
The matter was reported to the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit in Bibiani, leading to the arrest of Frimpong and Agyapongmaa. Appiah was also apprehended. The suspects reportedly admitted to the offense in their caution statements. Police are preparing a duplicate docket for the Attorney-General’s Department for advice.
Child Welfare and Court Orders
During the court proceedings, Chief Inspector Agyemang highlighted that the baby, currently under the care of Agyapongmaa’s grandmother, remained at risk. He requested the court to place the child in a care home.
In consideration of justice and the child’s welfare, the court ordered the Social Welfare Office to conduct a social inquiry and submit a report within five days. The case has been adjourned to May 5, 2026.
Implications and Future Outlook
This case raises serious concerns about the intersection of spiritual beliefs, desperation, and potential criminal actions, particularly involving vulnerable infants. The involvement of a pastor in such an alleged act underscores the need for scrutiny within religious communities and the protection of individuals seeking spiritual guidance.
The court’s swift action in ordering a social welfare inquiry and placing the child’s immediate safety as a priority highlights the legal system’s commitment to child protection. As the case progresses, the legal ramifications for those involved will unfold, potentially serving as a deterrent against similar acts. The wider community will be watching closely to see how justice is served and what measures can be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future, especially concerning vulnerable children and those seeking spiritual solutions to health crises.
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