GH - THE REPUBLIC v. EDWARD ANAGLI

BACKGROUND

On 5th of February, 2021, the accused person was arraigned before this Court on a charge

of assault contrary to Section 84 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

BRIEF FACTS

The brief facts as narrated by Prosecution indicates that the complainant is a farmer from

Dekporyia whiles the accused person is also a farmer and a resident of the same

community.

The Prosecution stated that on the 9

th of December, 2020 at about 1130 hours, the

complainant and accused met at a junction while the accused was on the way to the farm.

The Prosecution stated that sometime prior to their meeting, the complainant had her

crops destroyed by an unknown person and had always suspected the accused to be the

person responsible for the damages.

The Prosecution stated that, upon meeting the accused, the complainant made a

statement to the effect that “God will judge whoever destroyed her crops”, and the

accused took offence because every time the complainant sees him she makes those

comments.

The Prosecution stated that, the accused confronted the complainant this time on her

comment which resulted in a scuffle between them and in the process the accused used

a club he was holding to hit the head of the complainant.

The Prosecution stated that the complainant screamed for help and the Unit Committee

member, one Godwin Alavi who appeared at the scene saw the complainant in the armpit

of the accused.

The Prosecution stated further that the complainant was rescued by Godwin Alavi and

the complainant upon reporting the matter to the police was issued a medical form to

attend hospital for treatment, which was later returned to the police duly endorsed.

The prosecution stated that, the accused after his arrest denied the offence and stated that,

he was rather assaulted by the complainant.

The accused was charged for court and pleaded not guilty to the charge when the

particulars of the offence was read and interpreted to him.

THE CASE OF PROSECUTION

The prosecution called two witnesses comprising the complainant, the Unit Committee

member Godwin Alavi and the Police Investigator.

The complainant stated that, for some time now, she had not been in talking terms with

the accused because she suspected him to be the one who spayed chemicals on the crop

she had cultivated.

The complainant stated that on the 9

th of December, 2020 at about 1120 hours, she met the

accused on the way whiles returning from the farm.

PW1 stated that prior t