The Bekwai Circuit Court has granted a GH¢50,000 bail with two sureties to a 26-year-old house help, Ernest Agyei, who is accused of pouring acid on a former senior high school leaver during a heated argument. The court, presided over by Isaac Apeatu, adjourned the case to December 17, 2024, for further proceedings.
Incident Details
The alleged incident took place on December 22, 2021, at Trede in the Ashanti Region. Police Chief Inspector Christian Amartey revealed that the victim, Benjamin Asante, a former student of Yamfo Anglican Secondary School, was helping his brother, Francis Agyei, clean tiles with acid. The accused, Ernest Agyei, along with a friend, Godfred Kwadwo Tawiah, joined the activity.
According to the prosecution, an argument ensued between the accused and Tawiah during the cleaning. Subsequently, Ernest approached the victim, Benjamin, to complain about Tawiah’s actions. Benjamin, however, refused to intervene, stating that he would have acted similarly in Tawiah’s position. This response reportedly infuriated the accused, leading to a verbal exchange.
The argument escalated, and Ernest allegedly picked up a container of acid and poured it on Benjamin, causing severe injuries.
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
Benjamin Asante was rushed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where he spent three months receiving treatment for his injuries. Despite the severity of the incident, a police report was only filed six months later in June 2022, which led to the arrest of Ernest Agyei.
During his court appearance, Agyei denied the charges of causing harm, maintaining his innocence. The court granted him bail, setting strict conditions, including two sureties.
Next Steps in the Case
The adjournment to December 17, 2024, marks a significant delay in the trial, with questions lingering about the lengthy gap between the incident and the filing of the police report. Meanwhile, the court and legal representatives will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case to determine the accused’s culpability.
Impact on the Victim
Benjamin Asante’s ordeal has drawn public attention to the dangers of mishandling corrosive substances and the consequences of unchecked conflicts. His recovery and subsequent legal pursuit highlight the resilience required to seek justice after such a traumatic event.
The court’s eventual ruling will set a precedent for similar cases, emphasizing the need for timely reporting and resolution of criminal incidents.
