A 40-year-old woman has reportedly lost her sight following an alleged assault by her boyfriend, 43, a self-styled pastor turned street preacher Tarkwa-Maakro, Douglas Appiah, Suame Municipality, Ashanti Region.
According to Naomi Asante, the victim, she decided to end her relationship with Appiah and move out of their shared room.
In response, Appiah allegedly subjected her to severe beatings, repeatedly slamming her head against a wall, which resulted in her blindness.
Naomi recounted her ordeal to student journalists at the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies, Obaaku Sika Amponsah and Asonaba Kwadwo Wusu, on Sunday, July 7, 2024. She disclosed that after the assault, she was confined to a room for a week without assistance.
Doctors at Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital have warned Naomi that immediate intervention is crucial to potentially reverse her condition and prevent permanent blindness.
Local authorities have arrested Pastor Douglas Appiah. Assembly Member Prince Asamoah Boakye confirmed that Naomi was found locked in a room and showed signs of physical trauma, consistent with her account based on preliminary police investigations.
However, Pastor Appiah has denied the allegations, asserting that Naomi suffers from a “spiritual problem” that causes violent behavior. He claims she fell and injured herself, leading to blindness.
The conflicting stories have raised community concern, especially as residents attest that Naomi had normal vision before the incident.