Illegal miner jailed five years for violent cutlass attack at Essuowin

A 33-year-old illegal miner, James Yeboah, has been handed a five-year prison sentence by the Asante Akropong Circuit Court after admitting to attacking a fellow resident with a cutlass in Essuowin, located in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region.

Yeboah, who pleaded guilty to the charge of causing harm, was convicted on his own plea. In addition to serving time behind bars, the court has also ordered him to pay GH¢6,000 in compensation to the victim, Akwasi Amponsah.

Presenting the case before the court, Police Chief Inspector Ruth Gborson revealed that the violent incident took place on February 23, 2025. The accused reportedly confronted Amponsah without any provocation while the latter was on his way to visit his girlfriend.

Armed with a cutlass, Yeboah attacked Amponsah, delivering multiple swings in an unprovoked assault. Though the victim dodged several of the blows, he sustained severe injuries to his head and neck, resulting in heavy bleeding.

Amponsah was rushed to the Essuowin Health Centre, where he received emergency care and was admitted for further treatment. The incident was promptly reported to the local police, leading to Yeboah’s arrest.

During police interrogation, Yeboah confessed to the act but claimed it was not his intention to cause serious harm. Nonetheless, he was charged following investigations and brought before the court.

Presiding judge Mrs. Gloria Mensah Bonsu, in her ruling, stressed the gravity of the offence and highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and security in the community. She noted that the sentence should serve as a deterrent to others who may consider resorting to violence.