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A 27-year-old aspiring journalist, Derick Ofosu Gyan, is appealing for support as he battles to restore his eyesight after surviving a devastating acid attack allegedly carried out by his girlfriend.
After completing Senior High School, Derick pursued a short course in journalism and later secured a contract to assist with the replacement of electricity meters for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). However, his life took a tragic turn in 2021.
According to accounts of the incident, a female acquaintance from Nsawam visited him at his residence in Sogakope in the Volta Region and stayed overnight. Later that evening, Derick reportedly discovered messages indicating that she was romantically involved with other men. Upset by the discovery, he ended their relationship and blocked her on social media.
About a month later, while preparing for work in the early hours of the morning, Derick stepped outside to bathe when he encountered the same woman. She allegedly attacked him by pouring acid on him before attempting to escape.
Residents in the area raised an alarm, leading to her arrest with assistance from the local assemblyman. Derick later learned that the suspect had been sentenced to five years in prison, although neither he nor his family was present during the court proceedings.
Since the attack, Derick has undergone three surgeries to treat severe burns affecting his face, chest, hands, and legs. Once active and hopeful about his future, he is now completely blind and relies heavily on his mother, Aunty Lydia, for daily assistance.
Despite the life-changing injuries, Derick says he remains committed to his dream of becoming a journalist. He is now seeking financial assistance from the public to undergo specialized surgery in India that doctors say could help restore his vision.
His mother, Aunty Lydia, has expressed disappointment over how the attacker’s family handled the situation, stating that they showed little concern after the incident. She believes justice will only be complete when her son receives the support he needs to rebuild his life.
The family is therefore appealing to the public for compassion and assistance to help Derick undergo the needed treatment and regain hope for the future.
Source: 3news
