A joint security operation involving the Ghana Police Service, the Cyber Security Authority, and National Security has led to the arrest of a pastor in connection with alleged sexual offences against a minor and the production of child sexual abuse materials.
The suspect, 45-year-old Ebenezer Kondua, who serves as the lead pastor of Mahanaim Christian Centre in Ankaful near Cape Coast, was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation carried out in the early hours of March 6, 2026.
Authorities say he was arrested at Waraba, a suburb of Iguasi, following a coordinated investigation involving cybercrime specialists and security agencies.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing on Monday, March 9, the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Lydia Yaako Donkor, disclosed that the arrest forms part of a broader effort by Ghanaian security agencies to combat online child sexual exploitation.
According to investigators, Kondua allegedly cultivated an online persona on Facebook under the name “Reverend Dr. Kondua,” where he presented himself as a trained gynaecologist and international marriage counsellor.
Police say that in August 2021, he invited a then 13-year-old junior high school student into his residence under the pretext of offering spiritual guidance and behavioural counselling.
What followed, investigators allege, was a prolonged pattern of sexual abuse.
“The suspect repeatedly subjected the survivor to sexual abuse and recorded videos of the acts on his mobile phone,” COP Donkor said.
Investigators further revealed that in some of the recordings, the minor was allegedly coerced into displaying materials referencing an adult pornographic website while stating on camera that she was accessible on the platform — an act authorities believe may have been intended for online distribution.
Abuse uncovered through school report
The case came to light after the survivor confided in her school headmistress, prompting a formal complaint to the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) in Cape Coast.
The matter was subsequently referred to the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit and filed before the Cape Coast Circuit Court, triggering a deeper investigation that culminated in the joint operation.
During the search of the suspect’s residence, investigators retrieved several items believed to be linked to the alleged crimes. These include an HP laptop, three external hard drives, five pen drives, a mobile phone, a tablet, electronic vibrators, assorted contraceptives, lubricants, a used pregnancy test and two ladies’ panties.
Forensic analysts working with the Cyber Security Authority reportedly uncovered digital evidence indicating the production of child sexual abuse materials. Investigators also discovered three private pornographic website accounts associated with the suspect on his electronic devices.
Fresh charges filed
Kondua had earlier faced charges relating to the defilement of a female child under 16 and child pornography offences.
Following his re-arrest on March 8, authorities filed an additional charge of possessing an indecent image or photograph of a child under Sections 62 and 63 of the Cybersecurity Act 2020 (Act 1038).
He has since been remanded into custody and is expected to reappear before the court on March 27, 2026.
Renewed focus on online child protection
COP Donkor said the case highlights the growing threat posed by online child sexual exploitation, including grooming, sextortion, the production and circulation of child abuse materials, and live-streamed abuse.
“This case underscores the commitments made at the highest levels of our institutions — the Ghana Police Service, the Cybersecurity Authority and National Security — to ensure that every child is safe and protected online,” she said.
She added that the CID’s Child Protection Digital Forensic Laboratory is working closely with the Cyber Security Authority and international partners such as UNICEF to strengthen investigative capacity and disrupt networks involved in the exploitation of minors.
“The Ghana Police Service, the Cybersecurity Authority and National Security want to assure the public that this case is being handled with the utmost seriousness and that all necessary legal actions will be taken to ensure justice,” she stated.
“Our commitment remains unwavering to utilise technology and collaboration to make Ghana’s digital space safer for every child.”
