Tarkwa: An illegal miner, Akwasi Isaac, known locally as Akwasman, has been sentenced to 18 years of hard labor by a Tarkwa circuit court for unlawfully causing harm to his friend, Kwaku Yeboah. Isaac, 22, pleaded not guilty to the charges but was convicted following the proceedings. According to Ghana News Agency, the incident took place on August 6, 2023, in Asuminam, near Wassa Dominase in the Western Region. Police Chief Inspector Joseph Lartey, who prosecuted the case, informed the court, presided over by Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu, that both Isaac and Yeboah were illegal miners and friends residing in the same area. On the night of the incident, Isaac returned home intoxicated and began disturbing Yeboah, who was asleep after a long day of work. Chief Inspector Lartey described how Yeboah attempted to stop Isaac's harassment, eventually resorting to hitting Isaac's back with a cutlass in self-defense. This act provoked a violent reaction from Isaac, who armed himself with a cutlass and attempted to slash Ye boah. In the ensuing struggle, Yeboah's right wrist was severed, causing serious injury. The victim was rushed to Greenshield Hospital in Sefwi Bekwai by bystanders and was treated and discharged. To avoid immediate retaliation from the community, Isaac feigned unconsciousness until the police arrived and took him into custody. Despite initially denying the charges, Isaac later admitted to the offense and was brought before the Asankragwa District Court. The court remanded him while investigations proceeded, leading to his eventual conviction and sentencing.