Tomato "war" lands three in hospital

Kumasi (Ashanti Region) -- A quarrel over has landed a teacher of the District Assembly Junior Secondary School at Asuhyiae, near Tepa in Ashanti, his wife and a third person at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital with severe cutlass wounds.

Collins Gyan, the teacher and his wife Akua Afriyie, were rushed together with Kwadwo Boadu, a farmer, to the hospital about a fortnight ago. The couple were treated and discharged a few days after admission but Boadu is said to be still on admission.

According to police sources, at about 6 pm on March 4, Gyan accused Boadu of stealing a quantity of tomatoes from his farm. Fuming with rage, Boadu asked Gyan to substantiate the allegation or face the consequences.

An ensuing quarrel generated into a fierce fight during which the two men, armed with cutlasses, freely slashed each other. Afriyie who went in aid of her husband sustained cutlass wounds. Neighbours who intervened rushed the three to the hospital. The Tepa Police are investigating the incident.