Miner Jailed for Acid Attack on Former Gf.
In a shocking incident at Prestea in the Western Region, a 62-year-old illegal miner, John Tandoh, has been sentenced to 20 years in hard labor for pouring what is suspected to be acid on his former girlfriend, Victoria Salamatu Safia, 35. The verdict was handed down by the Tarkwa Circuit Court, where Tandoh, also known as Kojo Egyaguma, pleaded guilty to the charge of causing harm.
This isn’t the first time Tandoh has faced such charges. According to records from the Tarkwa Local Prison, in 2012, he was sentenced to 16 years for a similar offense. However, he was discharged on Amnesty in June 2020 after serving eight years.
During the court proceedings, Superintendent of Police Juliana Essel-Dadzie, who prosecuted the case, detailed the disturbing events leading up to the acid attack. Tandoh and the victim had been working as partners in an illegal mining site in Prestea for about a year.
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The prosecution explained that the convict had initially proposed love to Victoria, and the two had been living together. However, over time, Tandoh’s behavior towards the victim changed, leading to frequent, unprovoked quarrels. Victoria decided to end the relationship due to the strained dynamics.
The incident occurred on October 20, 2023, during their routine gold prospecting at the mining site. Following a disagreement, Tandoh abruptly left for town but returned shortly afterward with a bowl covered in a polythene bag. Unaware of the impending danger, Victoria assumed it was food.
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As recounted by Superintendent Essel-Dadzie, Tandoh approached the victim and launched a brutal attack, pouring the liquid (suspected to be acid) on her head, face, and other parts of her body. Victoria, suffering severe burns, cried out for help, attracting a nearby witness who attempted to apprehend Tandoh. However, he brandished a kitchen knife, threatened the witness, and managed to escape.
The injured victim was swiftly taken to the Prestea Government Hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment. On the same day, Tandoh was apprehended from his hideout at approximately 1430 hours and handed over to the Prestea police.
As the presiding judge, Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu, delivered the 20-year sentence, Tandoh kept his head down until the proceedings concluded. He was then escorted out of the courtroom by a police officer.
This disturbing incident sheds light on the prevalence of domestic violence and underscores the need for heightened awareness and stringent measures to protect potential victims.
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