The 26-year-old house help accused of pouring acid on a Senior High School leaver has told the Bekwai Circuit Court that he did not know the substance was acid.
Ernest Agyei stated that he and Benjamin Asante were pouring water on each other, and there were four containers around them. He claimed he did not know that the one he poured on Asante was acid.
However, Asante denied the claim and said Agyei deliberately did it because Asante failed to side with him during a confrontation with one Godfred Kwadwo Tawiah, during which Agyei turned his anger on him (Asante).
This was during a cross-examination of Asante by Agyei.
All three were engaged in cleaning 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 GH¢50,000 bail with two sureties, and he is 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 Isaac Apeatu, that Asante, the victim, is also the complainant and a former student of Yamfo Anglican Secondary School near Sunyani.
Chief Inspector Amartey stated that the victim resided in Trede, as did Agyei, and the accused person was a house help residing at Pakyi No. 2.
The prosecution said that on December 22, 2021, the complainant’s brother, Francis Agyei, invited the complainant to assist him in cleaning tiles with acid.
Agyei, who is the house help, joined in the cleaning with one Godfred Kwadwo Tawiah, a friend of the accused person.
During the cleaning, the accused and Tawiah argued, and the accused, in his anger, splashed the acid on the victim.
Chief Inspector Amartey said Asante was rushed to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and admitted for three months.
He added that on June 20, 2022, the complainant reported the matter to the police, leading to Agyei’s arrest on October 9, 2022.
The prosecution said after the investigation, Agyei was charged and brought before the Court.
Source: GNA