Minor who drank caustic soda appeals for assistance

Half-Assini, WR, Nov. 28, GNA - The relatives of a five-year-old boy who drank caustic soda, at Half Assini have appealed for support to help them raise 1,500 dollars to enable their child undergo surgery at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

The uncle of the girl Mr Blay Asemiah made the appeal on her behalf of the relatives in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Half Assini, in the Western Region.

According to him the victim, Felicia Serwah, accidentally drank the caustic Soda that caused corrosive esophageal stricture at the throat and needs to undergo colon bypass surgery at the National Cardiothoracic Centre, Korle-Bu, Accra.

Mr Asemiah stated that the family members who are peasant farmers have not been able to raise the amount because of their poor financial position.

He said early last year, the victim and her four other siblings were eating at their cottage near Asemkro with their cup of water besides them.

Mr Asemiah said Madam Francisca Kwaako who is family friend to the relatives and also a farmer at the area came to the Cottage and decided to rest a while before continuing to her destination.

He said when the woman saw the children's water she drank it.

Mr Asemiah said Madam Kwaako later went to their kitchen and filled the cup with whitish substance she saw in a container there which she thought was water and later continued her journey.

According to the uncle, Serwah after eating innocently drank some of the substance.

Serwah was rushed to St Martin De Porres Catholic Hospital at Eikwe for treatment where she was referred to Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, Sekondi and subsequently to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for surgical operation.

Mr Asemiah said the condition of Serwah who is currently being fed through tube inserted to the stomach is deteriorating.

He said the victim's father, Mr Bendo Awuah, who got scared about the cost of the surgery, has disappeared from the community.

The uncle said all contribution should be paid into his GN-Bank Account Number 0122530209400 or through MTN Mobile Money 0549202570.

Meanwhile Madam Kaako has been granted GH₵ 800.00 bail with two sureties by a Half Assini magistrate court.

GNA