Woman in Court for Abortion

A 35-year-old woman, Francisca Adjei, has appeared before the Asamankese Circuit court charged with unlawful abortion. She pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of GH¢1,500 with one surety to re-appear on January 14, 2008. Police Inspector D.T. Nartey, prosecuting, told the court, presided over by Mr Kofi Akrowiah, that on August 28, at Akyem Kusi, a hairdressing apprentice who was six months' pregnant approached Francisca for help to rid off the unborn baby. After an initial reluctance, Francisca agreed and administered a concoction into the genitalia of the woman. The prosecutor said the following day the victim started bleeding intermittently, until August 31, when her condition became critical. The court heard that in her critical condition, the woman mentioned Francisca as being responsible for her predicament. The prosecutor said the woman was rushed to St. Dominic's Hospital at Akwatia, where she was admitted for treatment. A report was made to the police and Francisca was arrested.