Student perishes from criminal abortion

Hohoe, Oct 5, GNA - John Tsatsu, a tailor at Dadoto in the Krachi East District, has been remanded in police custody for his role in an abortion, which resulted in the death of Ophelia Tetteh, a student of Asukawkaw Senior High School.

Tsatsu pleaded not guilty and he is to re-appear before the Hohoe Circuit Court on October 13.

Prosecuting, Police Assistant Superintendent Mr Ben Dadzie, told the court that unknown to the deceased's parents and boyfriend, she approached Tsatsu on September 14, and sought assistance to abort her three month-old pregnancy.

He said the deceased before her death disclosed that she douched a concoction prepared from cassava leaves and other herbs by Tsatsu with the intent to abort the pregnancy.

Mr Dadzie said the foetus dropped two days afterwards but the deceased suffered severe abdominal pains and bled profusely.

He said the deceased's condition deteriorated after two weeks compelling her parents to rush her to the Jasikan Hospital for medical attention but she died, a day later.

ASP Dadzie said a medical officer had hinted the Police about the development and so they were able to get the information from the deceased during her dying moments.

He said Tsatsu was, consequently, arrested but he denied any involvement.

Tsatsu has been, however, remanded to assist the Police to complete their investigations.

GNA