Illegal miner granted bail for harming colleague

A Tarkwa Circuit Court on Tuesday granted bail in the sum of 6,000 Ghana cedis with two sureties to be justified to Emmanuel Kwofie, an illegal miner at Prestea, for allegedly pouring acid on the face of his colleague.

The accused pleaded guilty to unlawfully causing harm and will re-appear on February 9.

The victim, Kwesi Mensah, a 20 year-old illegal miner, sustained severe burns on the face and has lost his sight.

According to the victim, in October last year, he brought a mobile phone for 15 Ghana cedis from the accused.

He said when he got home and attempted to charge the mobile phone, he detected that the charging system was not functioning and he went back to Emmanuel to refund his money and collect the mobile phone.

Mensah said the accused refused to refund the money and he snatched the personal phone of the accused to force him to refund the money.

He said the accused suddenly went for some substance in a container and poured it on him and he started experiencing burning sensation.

Mensah said he collapsed after the act and was rushed to the Prestea Government Hospital for treatment where he was referred to the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital for further treatment.

The victim said the medical personnel who attended to him at the Effia Nkwanta Hospital said he has gone blind because of the acid that was poured on his face.

Mensah said he was again referred to the Eye Care Department of the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi for further exanimation and treatment.

He said later, he told the Police what happened.