Ghanaian pastor jailed for 18 months in Canada

A Ghanaian pastor based in Canada, Emmanuel Yeboah, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a teenager who attended his church.

Justice Robert Gattrell delivered the conviction after the court heard that Yeboah took advantage of his position as a trusted family acquaintance while transporting the vìctim to and from piano lessons in Barrie.

He was found guilty on multiple counts, including sexual assault, sexual interference, and assault

Prosecutors had pushed for a four-year custodial sentence, while the defence argued for a one-year term.

The court ultimately settled on 18 months, taking into account factors such as his lack of prior criminal record, his family responsibilities, and continued community support referenced during proceedings.

Yeboah, who holds permanent residency in Canada, now also faces possible immigration action that could lead to deportation following the conviction.

Once he completes his sentence, he will be subject to strict conditions limiting contact with anyone under 18 unless supervised by a responsible adult. His own children are excluded from this restriction.