The Bekwai Circuit Court has sentenced a 27-year-old houseboy, Ernest Agyei, to 84 months’ imprisonment with hard labour for pouring acid on a senior high school leaver.
In addition to the custodial sentence, the court ordered Agyei to pay 500 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢6,000, as compensation to the victim, Benjamin Asante, a former student of Yamfo Anglican Secondary School in the Bono Region.
Agyei pleaded not guilty to the charge but was convicted after a full trial.
Delivering judgment, the presiding judge, Mr Isaac Apeatu, rejected claims that the incident was accidental, citing evidence of a prior confrontation between the convict and the victim. The court held that tensions escalated during a tile-cleaning exercise involving acid, following disagreements among those present.
The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Christian Amartey, told the court that the incident occurred on December 22, 2024, at Pakyi No. 2, where Agyei was employed as a house help.
According to the prosecution, Agyei had an argument with one Kwadwo Tawiah during the cleaning exercise. When Agyei reported the matter to the complainant, Benjamin Asante, he was told that Asante did not wish to interfere in the dispute.
Chief Inspector Amartey said Agyei became offended, insulted Asante, and an exchange of words ensued. During the confrontation, Agyei allegedly poured acid from a container onto Asante, causing severe injuries.
The victim was rushed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where he was admitted for three months.
The prosecution noted that Agyei showed no remorse and urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence, while the convict pleaded for leniency.
Following investigations, Agyei was arrested and prosecuted, leading to his conviction and sentencing.
