Farmer allegedly shoots man over pears

Asamankese, Jan. 31, GNA - Kwabena Ofori, a 54-year-old farmer, who allegedly shot a man over pears, has appeared at a circuit court at Asamankese for causing unlawful harm. The accused, who pleaded guilty, would re-appear at court on February 15.

The court asked him to remain on his original bail of GHC 5,000 with two sureties to be justified. The accused, who was initially charged with attempted murder and possessing fire arm without authority had his charges changed. Police Inspector Stephen Atsu Gamado, told the court that this followed advice by the Attorney-General's Department. Prosecution told the court that the complainant, Kofi Asare, went to farm at Dwenase in the Eastern Region on June 5, 2008, and plucked some pears from another farm because he was hungry. Insp. Gamado said while Asare was plucking the fruits, Ofori emerged from a nearby farm with a single barrel gun and ordered him (Asare) to come down from the pear tree.

Prosecution said the accused ordered Asare to accompany him to Dwenase with the pears he had plucked. Insp. Gamado said on the way to the town the accused shot at the legs of Asare and left him to his fate. Prosecution said Asare managed to go home and he was rushed to the St. Dominic Hospital at Akwatia where he was admitted. Insp. Gamado said the Police at Apinamang arrested the accused.