Man Dies After Akpeteshie Contest

A contest to determine which of two men could drink more akpeteshie, a local gin, has led to the death of one of them. Yaw Berko, 32, a father of two, died on the spot after drinking a full bottle of the gin during the contest. The incident happened at Pakyi Number Two in the Amansie West District in the Ashanti Region at the weekend. An eyewitness told the Daily Graphic that Berko and his friend, Oko Mensah, went to an akpeteshie bar in the town for some drinks in the morning. Just after arriving at the spot, an argument ensued between the two over who could drink more of the stuff. As the argument raged, Berko boasted that he could take a full bottle of the gin at a go. He then requested a full bottle of akpeteshie and, within a matter of three minutes, consumed it, much to the admiration of those gathered. However, minutes later, he fell and collapsed at the drinking spot. His family members went for him after they had been informed but he was declared dead on arrival at hospital.