Asher, a mason, pleaded not guilty to both charges.
His counsel, Mr. Godfred Anim Darko, argued that the accusation stemmed from disciplinary action taken against the 17-year-old victim, who had allegedly stayed away from home for several days.
Anim Darko told the court that the facts presented by the prosecution were completely different from what his client had told him.
He further contended that Asher had raised the victim since childhood and denied any sexual abuse.
Mr. Anim Darko proposed that the victim be placed in the care of one of her uncles and requested bail for the accused, stating that Asher was not a flight risk and had family and congregants present in court willing to stand as sureties.
The prosecution opposed the bail application, stating that Asher resided in the same house as the victim.
The court declined bail and remanded Asher to reappear on August 25, 2025.
The prosecution told the court that the complainant is a 64-year-old beautician and neighbour of the accused at Ashongman Estate.
On August 2, 2025, the complainant observed the victim bleeding from her right palm and enquired about the cause.
The victim reportedly said, “She held the cutlass and accused pulled the cutlass which resulted in a deep cut in the victim’s hands,” while attempting to defend herself during an alleged beating by her father.
The complainant assisted the victim to the police station and lodged a complaint.
Investigations revealed that the accused had allegedly been having sexual intercourse with the victim, with the last incident occurring on July 30, 2025.
A police medical form was issued, and the victim was examined and treated.
GNA
