A 27-year-old man, Kwadwo Richmond, is on the run after allegedly killing his friend over a dispute involving GH¢20 at Asuboa in the Asante Akim South Municipality of the Ashanti Region.
The victim, identified only as Eric, is said to have had a misunderstanding with Richmond on Sunday, May 3, after allegedly failing to fulfil a promise to give him GH¢20.
According to initial reports, the two met on the outskirts of the community, where the disagreement escalated into a heated confrontation. Richmond is alleged to have attacked Eric with a cutlass during the altercation, leading to his death.
Recounting the incident, the Asuboa Youth Committee Secretary, Kwabena Ofori Atta, said the situation turned violent after a disagreement between the two friends.
Speaking to Adom News, Mr Ofori Atta explained that Eric had earlier sold a refrigerator to Richmond’s mother. She made part payment but was unable to settle the full amount, leaving an outstanding balance.
According to him, Eric had promised to give Richmond GH¢20 as a token when he returned to collect the remaining money.
On the day of the incident, Eric travelled from Dampong to Asuboa to retrieve the balance. Upon arrival, he met Richmond, who immediately demanded the GH¢20.
Eric reportedly explained that he had just arrived and had no money on him. He asked Richmond to allow him to first collect the outstanding amount from his mother before giving him the GH¢20.
However, Richmond insisted on receiving the money immediately. Eric then suggested that he could take the GH¢20 from his mother out of the balance owed, promising to come back later for the rest.
Richmond reportedly went to his mother, but she refused to give him the money. He returned angry and confronted Eric, questioning why he had made a promise he could not keep.
This led to an exchange of insults, though some bystanders stepped in and managed to calm the situation.
Mr Ofori Atta said Richmond later left for his house, and many thought the issue had ended. But moments later, he returned armed with a machete.
Sensing danger, Eric picked up a piece of wood to defend himself. Richmond allegedly swung the machete at him, aiming for his head. Eric managed to block the blow, but the wood split in two.
As he tried to escape, Eric slipped and fell, giving Richmond the chance to strike again. He sustained a deep cut to his hand in the process.
Though he managed to get up and attempt to flee, Eric later collapsed by the roadside. A passerby rushed him to the Juaso Government Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival due to excessive blood loss.
Mr Ofori Atta said the suspect fled the area after the incident and his whereabouts remain unknown. Police have since launched an investigation and have reportedly visited Richmond’s home to question his mother.
He added that the deceased left behind a wife and four young children, now faced with an uncertain future.
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