Court jails galamsey operator 16 years

A 42 year-old illegal miner (galamsey operator), John Kwadwo Tanoh has been sentenced to 16 years imprisonment in hard labour by a Tarkwa circuit court for pouring acid on his girl friend, Mary Amoah.

The convict who also stabbed his girl friend with a knife was convicted on his plea.

The court in addition ordered the convict to compensate the victim by paying GH?5,000.

Prosecuting, Police Detective Chief Inspector Oscar Amponsah told the court presided over by Mr Samuel Obeng Diawuo that the complainant Vivian Kwofie and the victim worked as attendants at the Boiler Site Chop Bar located in Prestea.

He said the accused has been dating the victim for almost 11years but due to misunderstanding between them they separated in December, 2010.

Inspector Amponsah said the convict who was not satisfied with the separation pleaded with the victim to re-unite with him.

According to the prosecutor at about 0630 hours on January 16 the convict attacked the victim at his work place and in the process poured acid on her and stabbed her right ribs with a knife and escaped after the incident.

The complainant then rushed the victim to the Prestea Government Hospital for treatment but she was subsequently referred to Effia Nkwanta Government Hospital in Sekondi where she was admitted.

He said the complainant reported the matter to the Prestea police station and the convict was arrested on January 17. **