The life of Derick Ofosu Gyan changed forever after a brutal acid attack left him blind and battling severe injuries, cutting short the promising path he was pursuing as a young aspiring journalist.
Before the incident, Derick was working hard to build a future in the media industry.
After completing Senior High School, he enrolled in a short journalism programme while taking up a contract job with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), assisting with the nationwide replacement of electricity meters.
His ambitions, however, were shattered in 2021 after a violent confrontation involving a woman he had been in a relationship with.
According to Derick, the woman had travelled from Nsawam to visit him at his residence in Sogakope and spent the night there.
Later that evening, he said he came across messages on her phone suggesting she was romantically involved with other men.
The discovery deeply upset him, prompting him to end the relationship and cut off contact with her on social media.
About a month later, Derick said he was preparing for work in the early hours of the morning when he stepped outside his home to bathe.
It was at that moment, he claims, that the woman suddenly confronted him and allegedly threw acid on him.
His cries for help quickly drew the attention of neighbours, who rushed to the scene. With the help of the local assemblyman, the suspect was later arrested while reportedly attempting to escape.
Derick later learned that the woman had been convicted and sentenced to five years in prison for the attack, although neither he nor his family members were present in court when the case was concluded.
The injuries he sustained were devastating. He has since undergone three surgeries to treat extensive burns to his face, chest, hands and legs, and the attack ultimately left him completely blind.
Once energetic and independent, Derick now relies heavily on his mother, Aunty Lydia, for everyday support and mobility.
Despite the trauma and life-altering consequences, he says his dream of becoming a journalist has not faded.
Derick is now appealing to the public for financial assistance to enable him undergo specialised eye surgery in India, which doctors say could potentially restore his sight.
His mother says while justice has been served through the prison sentence handed to the attacker, the family still needs support to help Derick recover and rebuild his life.
They are therefore calling on the public to show compassion and assist the young man in his quest to regain his sight and pursue the career he once dreamed of.
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