Farmer dies after drinking palmwine

Asamankese (E/R), May 29, GNA - A palm wine tapper, who was suspected of lacing his palm wine containers with a poisonous pesticide, has appeared before the Asamankese Circuit Court, charged with the murder of a farmer, Winfred Agbosu, who drank some of the wine on his way to the farm.

The plea of 39-year-old Tatei Akorli was not taken and he was remanded in prison custody till June 7.

Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Eric Okyere, said Akorli, an akpeteshi (local liquor) distiller, lived at Apampetia village. He said on March 24 this year, while on his way to the farm, Agbosu drank some of the palm wine near the Akorli's distillery without his consent. However after drinking, he realised that it had been laced with DDT.

Agbozu who, returned home and informed his wife on the situation, collapsed and died shortly after he was admitted at the St Dominic Hospital at Akwatia.

Chief Inspector Okyere said when Akorli heard of the death of Agbozu, he fled the village but on March 31, he resurfaced and was arrested.

In his statement, Akorli reportedly claimed he had sprayed the palm trees with DDT to drive away bees.