Derick Ofosu Gyan, a 27-year-old aspiring journalist, is fighting to regain his vision after a brutal acid attack allegedly carried out by his girlfriend.
After completing Senior High School, Derick pursued a short journalism course and later secured a contract to replace ECG meters across the country. His promising future took a tragic turn in 2021.
A female friend from Nsawam visited him in Sogakope, Volta Region, and spent the night. That evening, Derick discovered messages suggesting she was romantically involved with other men. Hurt by the revelation, he blocked her on social media and ended their communication.
A month later, while preparing for work at dawn, Derick stepped outside to bathe. There, he was confronted by the same woman, who allegedly doused him with acid. Neighbors raised the alarm, and with the help of the local assemblyman, she was arrested while attempting to flee. Derick later learned she had been sentenced to five years in prison, though neither he nor his family attended the trial.
Since the attack, Derick has undergone three surgeries to treat severe burns on his face, chest, hands, and legs. Once energetic and full of ambition, he is now completely blind and depends on his mother, Aunty Lydia, for mobility.
Despite his ordeal, Derick remains determined to pursue his dream of becoming a journalist. He is appealing to Ghanaians for financial support to undergo surgery in India that could restore his sight.
Aunty Lydia expressed disappointment in the way the culprit’s family handled the matter, saying they showed little concern. She believes justice without financial support for her son’s recovery is incomplete.
