48-year-old mason remanded for biting off ex-girlfriend’s upper lips

The Bibiani District Court has remanded Loris Afful, a 48-year-old mason, into police custody following his alleged involvement in a violent altercation with his ex-girlfriend, resulting in him biting off her upper lips.

Afful, also known as Kofi Atta, was charged with causing harm after the incident at Atronsu in the Western North Region of Ghana.

According to report, Afful went to his ex-girlfriend’s room in an attempt to reconcile, but she rejected his advances and ordered him to leave. This led to a heated confrontation, during which Afful bit off her upper lips. Afful pleaded not guilty to the charge when the case was heard before Mr. Lord Delvin Essandoh.

The court, having considered the facts of the case and the safety of the victim, decided to remand Afful into lawful custody. The case has been adjourned to January 22, 2025, for a Case Management Conference. Chief Inspector B. O. Agyemang, representing the prosecution, has been ordered to file disclosures within five days.

The prosecution’s case outlined that the victim, Lucy Opoku, a 47-year-old labourer, and Afful had been in a relationship for two years before it ended in October 2024. After Opoku returned from Accra on December 29, 2024, Afful reportedly made multiple attempts to rekindle their relationship, which Opoku refused.

On January 8, 2025, Opoku returned home to find her door open and Afful sleeping inside. Despite her orders for him to leave, Afful refused. A physical struggle ensued, during which Opoku felt a burning sensation in her lips and realised her upper lips had been bitten off. Afful then left the scene.

Opoku reported the incident to the police the following day, leading to Afful’s arrest. In his caution statement, Afful admitted to the crime.

The case has drawn attention to issues of domestic violence and the importance of safeguarding victims’ rights during legal proceedings.