A self-styled physiotherapist and neuromuscular therapist, Jonathan Ohene Nkunim, who is facing allegations of sexually assaulting female patients under the guise of treatment, has pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape before the High Court in Accra.
The accused person, who operates a facility known as Nature’s Therapeutic Centre at Gbawe in Accra, is currently on bail as the prosecution prepares to call three key witnesses, including investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.
The case is being heard under the criminal assizes system, where a five-member panel of assessors has been selected to assist the court in determining the facts of the matter. The accused personally participated in selecting the assessors, rejecting one candidate before settling on a panel made up of four women and one man.
The trial is presided over by Justice Marie-Louise Simmons.
Prosecution Opens Case
Presenting the case, Principal State Attorney Dufie Prempeh told the court that the prosecution intends to rely on three main witnesses to prove the four rape charges against the accused.
She explained that the central issue for the court is whether the accused indeed engaged in sexual intercourse with the complainant without consent during therapy sessions.
According to her, the complainant was 40 years old at the time of the alleged incidents.
She further reminded the court and assessors that in criminal trials, the burden of proof rests entirely on the prosecution, except in limited circumstances such as insanity or statutory exceptions.
Defence Response
Counsel for the accused, Justine Teriwajah, urged the assessors to approach the evidence with caution, arguing that every allegation has two sides.
He indicated that the defence would, in due course, present an alternative narrative to challenge the prosecution’s version of events.
The presiding judge subsequently adjourned the case to June 26, 2026, for the prosecution to call its first witness.
Alleged Incidents in Court
The prosecution’s brief facts presented before the court indicate that the complainant, a broadcast journalist, was referred to the accused for treatment of a persistent spinal condition.
She reportedly visited the accused at his facility in April 2020 after being recommended by a friend.
The prosecution alleges that during a therapy session, the accused instructed the complainant to undress and began massaging her back and buttocks, claiming her muscles were stiff.
It is further alleged that the accused inserted his fingers into her vagina, insisting he was attempting to treat a pelvic condition and relieve muscle tension.
The prosecution told the court that sexual acts allegedly continued during multiple sessions without the complainant’s consent.
After the first incident, the complainant is said to have confronted the accused via WhatsApp, to which he allegedly apologised and offered a medical explanation, claiming she had a pelvic floor condition requiring treatment.
Despite assurances, the prosecution claims that repeated appointments followed, during which similar incidents allegedly occurred.
Undercover Investigation
The prosecution further told the court that the complainant later contacted investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, who initiated undercover inquiries into the accused’s practice.
An undercover operative was reportedly sent to the facility and allegedly experienced similar inappropriate conduct, although no sexual act was completed in that instance.
Investigators also discovered that the accused had claimed to be a qualified physiotherapist with experience at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, a claim later found to be false following checks with the Allied Health Professionals Council.
Following the investigations, the matter was reported to the police, leading to the arrest of the accused on September 22, 2021, by the Criminal Investigations Department.
Authorities allege that the accused had, over time, exploited female patients by engaging in sexual activity under the guise of medical treatment.
Assizes Proceedings
The trial is being conducted under the criminal assizes system, a special High Court arrangement used to try serious offences such as rape, murder, robbery and treason.
Under this system, assessors assist the presiding judge by evaluating evidence presented in court to ensure a fair determination of the case.
The trial is expected to continue later this month as the prosecution begins calling its witnesses.
