Cape Coast - A Cape Coast community tribunal, on Monday, remanded Kingsford Tawiah, a former pastor, at the Moree branch of “Christ for All Mission Church”, in prison custody, for allegedly masterminding an assault on another pastor of the Church.

In the dock with Tawiah, who pleaded not guilty to abetment of crime, were Kofi Beyewodze, Gideon Afful and Adwoa Nyame, all members of the Church, who pleaded not guilty, to assault.

They were also remanded in custody to be re-arraigned on Thursday, October 24.

Prosecuting, Chief Inspector Augustine Amonoo said that Tawiah, who used to be the pastor in-charge of the branch, opposed the decision by the founder of the Church, The Reverend Dr. Marcus Danso, in July this year that the Church should worship on Sundays instead of Saturdays.

He said Rev. Danso became disappointed at Tawiah’s opposition and therefore, terminated his appointment and brought in a new pastor, Mr. Robert Deku. However, Tawiah and the other three accused became peeved and petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).

The disagreement further led to a split within the Church, and Tawiah broke away and set up his own church with a faction of the branch.

The court heard that on September 16, Tawiah went back to his former church, claiming he had received a “reconciliation letter” from the CHRAJ, and subsequently conducted a church service without the knowledge of Pastor Deku at around 7.30 pm.

Chief inspector Amonoo said Pastor Deku, who heard about what was happening, went to confront Tawiah, and this resulted in a misunderstanding, during which Beyewodze, Afful and Adwoa Nyame attacked him, resulting in his sustaining abrasions on the left arm and knees.

The prosecutor said one Madam Ekua Awotwe, who went to the aid of the pastor, was also assaulted and the case was reported to the police. Remanding the accused, the tribunal chairman, Mr. Peter Asare-Dua, said he was disappointed at their behaviour because as Christians, they are rather expected to preach peace and help to reform society.