The woman at the centre of the controversial kidnapping and pregnancy case in Takoradi, Josephine Panyin Mensah, 28, has pleaded not guilty to two charges levelled against her by the police.
She was arraigned before a Takoradi Circuit Court A presided over by his honour, Michael Cudjoe Ampadu, on Monday, September 27, 2021.
The court has granted her a GH¢50,000 bail with two sureties to be justified.
She was charged with deceiving a public officer and publication of false statements with the intent to cause fear and panic.
Head of the
Western Regional Police Prosecutions and Legal Affairs, Superintendent Emmanuel Basintale, briefing the court said police investigations suggest that the number used by the supposed kidnappers were registered in the name of the accused, Josephine Panyin Mensah Simons.
Supt. Basintale further told the court that the prosthetics she wore to pretend that she was pregnant was bought at Takoradi market circle at the cost of GH¢30.00.
He further told the court that the lady visited the Takoradi hospital last year on September 11, with lower abdominal pains which she was treated for pelvic inflammatory disease.
She has subsequently visited the facility four times with no records of antenatal care.
Supt. Basintale prayed the judge to give compelling bail conditions.
The accused person Josephine Panyin Mensah was represented in court by five (5) pro bono lawyers.
Lead counsel for Josephine’s legal team, Philip Fiifi Buckman in his defense told the court to grant his client bail, stating that the charges levelled against Josephine were not serious offences.
The judge subsequently granted her bail to reappear on October 14.
