Four jailed 17 years for pouring acid on a pharmacy technician

Accra, Sept. 3, GNA - Four persons were on Friday sentenced to a total jail term of 17 years by an Accra Circuit Court for pouring acid on Agnes Fiona Aviam, a pharmacy technician.

Ms Aviam, the complainant suffered severe injuries on her body. Portia Naa Merlet Ashley, a pharmacy technician and the master mind was sentenced to five years, Sumaila Yakubu, a mechanic to three years and Adamu Karimu a driver to two years.

One Alhaji, an accomplice who is at large was sentenced to seven years in absentia. It however discharged Harriet Owusu. This was after the court presided over by Mr D.E.K Daketse, had found them guilty on charges of conspiracy, abetment of crime and causing harm.

The court noted that Portia, a single mother and widow committed the offence out of jealousy, saying Ms Aviam did nothing wrong. The court said it found Portia a great schemer and one who had the mind of a genius but used it dubiously. The trial judge condemned the act of jealousy (attitudes) that had eaten into some Ghanaian workers, especially half baked employees, who give themselves an agenda to undermine had working colleagues. According to the court, if not for the spectacle that the complainant's was wearing, her eyes would have been damaged as result of their conduct.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Reindolf Agyeman told the court that Portia worked with Ms Aviam at a Pharmacy at Dworwulu in Accra.

The prosecution said since Ms Aviam was employed, Portia took the offence as she saw her as a threat. On June 22, 2009, Portia approached Harriet and asked her to recruit men from Nima to cause harm to the complainant so she could stop coming to work. ASP Agyeman said Harriet called Yakubu and one Alhaji to carry out their diabolical plan for a fee of GH 100 cedis. On the same day, Portia engaged the services of Karimu, who was in charge of an Opel Astra taxi cab and together with Yakubu and one Alhaji, they went to the Pharmacy shop and Portia pointed out the complainant to them.

On June 27, 2009, at about 9:30pm Yakubu and Alhaji met Portia from a distance and she gave them the acid while she (Portia) stood at a distance to observe them. As soon as Ms Aviam closed from work, Portia called Yakubu and Alhaji on phone and they boarded a car driven by Karimu and when they got closer to the complainant, they poured the acid on the complainant and they sped off. The accused persons escaped but some of the acid splashed on Yakubu. This led to the arrest of Yakubu and the other accused persons.