I can't stop drinking alcohol

Accra, May 19, GNA - A 45-year-old orderly assistant of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Yaw Samuel, on Monday stunned an Accra Circuit Court when he declared that he could not stop drinking. Samuel was arraigned for causing harm to Madam Elizabeth Nsoh, a trader, and her grandson, Koffson Nsoh, a pupil, over one mango. During the scuffle Madam Nsoh lost two teeth while her grand son was assaulted.

When the charge was read to Samuel he pleaded guilty with explanation. He said on May 9, he did not go to work and therefore took some alcohol when the scuffle ensued between him and Madam Nsoh. According to Samuel, it was one of Madam Nsoh's sons who attempted to hit him with a stick but he dodged and the stick landed on Madam Nsoh mouth leading to the loss the two teeth. Based on his explanation, the court admitted Samuel to bail. It would on May 28 decide whether or not to enter a plea of not guilty on his behalf.

Admitting him to GH¢2,000 bail with a surety, the court asked him whether he could stop drinking alcohol. Samuel responded: "My Lord you have worried me. I can't stop drinking I will rather reduce it." When the court enquired whether he had been taken to the Police Station at Korle frequently, he nodded. According to him because he had been sent to the Police on a number of occasions his neighbours were bent in sending him to court to ensure that he was incarcerated so that they could have their peace. The prosecutor, Chief Inspector Johnson K Anim, told the court that on May 9, Madam Nsoh saw her grandson, aged 10, crying and when she asked what was wrong with him, he told her that Samuel had slapped him and he fell.

The prosecution said Madam Nsoh's grandson told her that the accused had also collected a mango from him and given it to his daughter. When Madam Nsoh sought an explanation from Samuel, he took offence and that resulted in a scuffle. In the process, Samuel hit Madam Nsoh on the mouth and she lost two teeth.