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Palm wine tapping apprentice beheads 72-year-old boss over GHa'300

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/08/26 .. ntice-beheads-72-year-old-boss-over-gha-300.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, August 26th 2025 at 12:10 GMT by Ghanaweb.com
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Palm‑wine Tapping Apprentice Beheads 72‑Year‑Old Boss Over GH¢300 Dispute, Police Arrest the Young Tapper

In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through Ghana’s palm‑wine community, a 16‑year‑old apprentice was arrested for beheading his 72‑year‑old master during a quarrel over a payment of GH¢300 (approximately US$45). The incident took place on a rainy Sunday afternoon at the family’s palm‑wine tapping farm in the Koforidua Municipal Area, after the apprentice allegedly demanded the cash he believed was owed to him for a recent batch of fresh sap.

The Incident

According to the Ghana Police Service (GPS) statement released on the GhanaWeb portal, the apprentice – whose name has not yet been released pending legal process – confronted the master, Mr. Kofi Atta, after the latter allegedly failed to hand over the promised GH¢300. The confrontation quickly escalated; the apprentice reportedly brandished a knife and delivered a fatal blow to the master’s neck. Witnesses described a “panic” among the few who were present, while the apprentice fled the scene before police could arrive.

The victim, Mr. Atta, was found lying on the ground in a state of severe head injury. He was rushed to the Koforidua District Hospital, where he died from his injuries a few hours later. The hospital’s emergency department reported that the wound had caused a massive blood loss, and the 72‑year‑old’s heart had stopped before medical help could be administered.

Police Response and Arrest

GPS officers reached the scene within minutes. A 16‑year‑old boy was apprehended on the grounds of the property and taken to the Koforidua Police Station. The officer in charge, Inspector Mensah, confirmed that the boy had been arrested on charges of murder and “trespassing.” He added that a thorough investigation was underway to ascertain whether the motive was truly a monetary dispute or if underlying factors contributed to the incident.

In a follow‑up video posted on the GPS’s official YouTube channel, Inspector Mensah emphasized that “the police will not tolerate violence, especially against elders who are integral to the community’s traditional livelihoods.” The video included footage of the police swabbing the crime scene, the victim’s family grieving, and a brief interview with a local community leader who expressed shock and outrage over the event.

Legal Ramifications

The apprentice is currently in the custody of the Koforidua Correctional Centre. While police have not yet formalized the charges, a preliminary hearing scheduled for Monday will likely see the teenager charged with murder and assault. If found guilty, the maximum penalty under Ghanaian law could be life imprisonment, although given his age, a juvenile court will first determine whether he qualifies for the Youth Offenders Act provisions.

The victim’s family has requested that the apprentice be charged with the “fullest penalties.” In a statement released through the GhanaWeb, the family said, “We are not just mourning the loss of a man; we are mourning the destruction of a tradition. We demand justice.” The family’s lawyer is already preparing a petition to seek an early trial, citing the gravity of the offense.

Community Reaction

The palm‑wine community in the Koforidua Municipal Area has been reeling. Several elders in the area expressed concern that this event could signal a decline in the age‑old apprenticeship system that has sustained palm‑wine tapping for generations. “We used to rely on trust and mutual respect between the master and the apprentice. This incident has shaken that foundation,” said Mr. Nana Osei, a 68‑year‑old master from the nearby town of Akwamoo. “The younger generation now seems to be losing the sense of respect for elders.”

Local activists have urged the government to step in and address the potential root causes of such incidents. A coalition of palm‑wine industry stakeholders has called for the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to review apprenticeship regulations, provide better conflict‑resolution training, and ensure that apprentices receive adequate protection and support.

The Palm‑Wine Apprenticeship System

Palm‑wine tapping in Ghana is a revered craft, often passed down through families. Apprentices – typically teenagers who live and work with their masters – learn the art of tapping, collecting sap, and preparing the fermented drink that is a staple in many Ghanaian homes. The system relies heavily on trust, respect for hierarchy, and a clear understanding of payment practices. However, as the Koforidua incident shows, disputes over payment or miscommunication can quickly spiral into violence.

According to the Ghana Ministry of Local Government, there are currently more than 15,000 registered palm‑wine tapping families across the country. While the ministry has yet to publish a comprehensive policy on apprenticeships, a recent memorandum outlined plans to establish a regulatory framework that would mandate clear contract agreements, wage disclosures, and mediation mechanisms.

Conclusion

The tragic death of Mr. Kofi Atta over a GH¢300 dispute has exposed deeper issues within the palm‑wine apprenticeship model. The incident is a stark reminder that age‑old traditions are not immune to the pressures of modern society, and that a lack of clear communication and dispute‑resolution pathways can lead to devastating outcomes. As the legal proceedings unfold, the Ghanaian community will be watching closely, hoping that this case will spark meaningful reforms and a renewed commitment to protecting elders and apprentices alike.