Farmer fined for slashing palm wine tapper's scalp

Faustina Afia Badu, a farmer who slashed the scalp of a palm wine tapper with a cutlass, has been fined 200 Ghana Cedis by a magistrate court at Akim Oda in the Birim Central Municipality.

Badu, 30, pleaded guilty to causing harm and would serve an 18 month prison term in default of payment.

She would additionally pay 300 Ghana Cedis to compensate the victim, Nii Odartey Lamptey.

Presenting the facts of the case, Police Inspector Kwaku Appiah stated that Nii Lamptey hails from Krodua near Bawjuase, but lives with his benefactor, one Mr. Asante at Akim Swedru, where the convict also lives.

According to Inspector Appiah, on August 16, 2012, at about 12:30 hours Faustina Badu and her friend went to Nii Lamptey’s farm to search for firewood, but they were refused entry.

He stated that as a result, a squabble ensued between Badu and Nii Lamptey and that during the scuffle, Badu who was wielding a cutlass used it to slap Nii Lamptey’s face, which eventually slashed part of his scalp.

Inspector Appiah said people around rushed to the scene and in an attempt to disarm Badu, she cut her finger.

Nii Lamptey was rushed to the hospital while Badu was arrested.