By Gifty Amofa
Bekwai (Ash), Jan. 31, GNA – The 26-year-old househelp accused of pouring acid on a Senior High School leaver has told the Bekwai Circuit Court that he did not know that the substance was an acid.
Ernest Agyei said he and Benjamin Asante were pouring water on each other and that there were four containers around them, so he did not know the one he poured on Asante was acid.
Asante however denied the claim and said Agyei deliberately did that because he Asante failed to side with Agyei when Agyei had a confrontation with one Godfred Kwadwo Tawiah during which he turned his anger on him (Asante).
This was during a cross-examination of Asante by Agyei.
All the three were engaged in the cleaning of the floor tiles at Agyei’s master’s house.
Agyei has denied causing harm to Benjamin Asante.
He is currently on his former bail: a GHC50,000.00 bail with two sureties to reappear on February 5, 19 and 26, 2025 to continue with the cross-examination.
Police Chief Inspector Christian Amartey earlier told the Court presided over by Mr Isaac Apeatu that Asante the victim, is also the complainant and a former student of Yamfo Anglican Secondary School near Sunyani.
Chief Inspector Amartey said the victim was a resident of Trede as Agyei, the accused person was house help resident at Pakyi No 2.
Prosecution said on December 22, 2021, complainant’s brother Francis Agyei invited the complainant to assist him to clean tiles with acid.
Agyei, who is the house help, joined in the cleaning with one Godfred Kwadwo Tawiah a friend to the accused person.
During the cleaning, the accused person and Tawiah had an argument, he told the Court. The accused person, in his anger, splashed the acid on his victim.
Chief Inspector Amartey said Asante was rushed to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and was admitted for three months.
He said on June 20, 2022, a complainant reported the matter to the Police, leading to the arrest of Agyei on October 09, 2022.
Prosecution said after investigation, Agyei was charged and put before Court.
GNA