''Looking at the facts, we don't see rape,' says lawyer for KNUST gang-rape students.
On Wednesday, August 3, 2022, the Asokore Mampong Magistrate Court remanded six students from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, for allegedly gang-raping a first-year student.
All six were present in court for the first hearing of their case, with the judge agreeing to the prosecution's request that the accused be remanded while the investigation continues.
In an interview following the hearing, the lawyer for the six students emphasized his clients' innocence until they plead guilty or are found innocent by the courts.
"These are KNUST students who have been accused of rape," lawyer Richard Adu Darko told the media. Looking at the facts presented to us, we honestly do not see rape, but that is what we have been accused of.
"And once someone is accused, the law states that person is presumed innocent until proven guilty or pleads otherwise."
Patrick Fosu, Edwin Nii Noi Quaynor, John Wilson, Kingsley Asiedu Andoh, Thompson Nii, and Assafua Eric are among those charged.
ACP Kofi Blagodzi, the state prosecutor, said his team will continue their investigations ahead of the next sitting on August 18th.
The defense attorney also stated that he will petition a higher court for bail for his clients, in order to allow them to take their exams.
"At this time, this is a court of first instance, and they have been brought here to be remanded in lawful custody."
"So, we'll take steps and go to the appropriate forum and then apply for bail for them, so they can continue with their examinations and face trial while the matter is pending before court."
read also: Teenage pregnancy is on the rise in Nabdam.
Agnes Anamoo, the Nabdam District Chief Executive, has expressed concern about the District's rising rate of teen pregnancy.
Despite the fact that the District saw a decrease in teen pregnancy from 22 percent in 2020 to 15 percent in 2022, she said it is still not encouraging and urged all stakeholders to rise to the challenge of addressing the canker.
Madam Anamoo made the revelation in an interview with GBC at Nangodi on the sidelines of a stakeholders' engagement on Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Rights (ASRHR) organized in the District by Rise-Ghana in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
She also addressed the eating habits of adolescents, particularly girls, and urged parents to take the lead in this area.
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