Unemployed Charged With Rape

Tema Amos Atsu, unemployed, has appeared before the Tema circuit tribunal charged with raping a 14-year-old girl at Ashaiman. Atsu pleaded not guilty and was granted one million cedis bail to re-appear on June 26. Chief Inspector Okpoti told the tribunal chaired by Major Jacob Abobor (rtd) that on October 22, 1996 at about 10 a.m., the victim went to accused's room in the same compound house to look for her sandals. He said immediately she entered the room, the accused locked the door, pushed her into bed and sexually assaulted her three times. Inspector Okpoti said while the victim was shouting, the accused tuned his radio set very high to prevent neighbours from hearing the cry for help. The victim reported the incident to her father after the accused had opened the door, he said.