Suzzy Pinaman, the 17-year-old student of Adventist Senior High School at Bantama, in the Ashanti Region, who was shot in the eye by a classmate, is to be flown to the United Kingdom for emergency medical treatment, due to the swift intervention of businessman and philanthropist, Ibrahim Mahama.

Suzzy sustained severe facial and eye injuries on April 4, 2025, when her classmate, Bernard Amoabeng, allegedly discharged a firearm during a school break. The bullet struck her forehead, with fragments damaging her eye, leaving her unable to see, sleep, or fully close the affected eye.

Her condition has been described as critical and complex, requiring multiple surgeries and specialised care unavailable in Ghana.

Following a widely circulated and emotional video appeal, in which Suzzy tearfully called on Ibrahim Mahama and former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong for assistance, Ibrahim Mahama responded without hesitation. Through his aide, Rafik Mahama, he pledged to cover the full cost of her treatment, both locally and internationally.

Recognising the urgency of her condition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs led by the sector minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has intervened to fast-track the processing of her travel documents and UK visa.

This timely assistance will enable her immediate transfer to a specialist hospital in London where doctors will assess the full extent of damage and determine a treatment plan.

Medical Director of Agarwal Eye Hospital in Accra, Dr Asiwome Kwesi, who initially handled her case, confirmed the necessity of overseas treatment.

“Her case is extremely delicate. We suspect damage to the back of the eye, but cannot assess it properly here. Time is critical,” he stated during a press briefing on May 5, 2025.

Suzzy’s ordeal has sparked public outrage and raised serious concerns about student safety, firearm access among minors, and the mental health impact on victims of school-related violence.

Her family has expressed profound gratitude to Ibrahim Mahama, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the general public for their overwhelming support.

“We are deeply thankful for this lifeline. May God bless all those who have shown us compassion in this dark moment,” a family spokesperson said.

AE