Scars From Dubai: 28-year-old fights to rebuild his life after acid attack by a Ghanaian disfigured him

For 28-year-old Alex Degle, the aftermath of an acid attack in Dubai did not fade when his flesh mended. Nearly three years later, he continues to grapple with a disfigured face, severe scars covering his body, and the relentless pursuit of providing for his family. Degle traveled to Dubai, seeking employment and a better life for his wife, children, and mother.

However, he soon found himself returning to Ghana, bearing injuries that transformed both his appearance and his livelihood. Allegedly, a fellow Ghanaian named Michael attacked Degle with acid on December 23, 2023, following a dispute over a 20-dirham debt that escalated during a card game. The assailant poured a clear liquid filled with acid onto Degle's face and body without warning, plunging him into a world of searing pain and unconsciousness.

Upon regaining consciousness in January 2024, Degle was promptly rushed to the hospital, where he underwent hospital treatment and multiple plastic surgeries to address the extensive burns. The attack left him physically and emotionally scarred, with no job prospects on the horizon. After initially seeking justice in Dubai, Degle returned to Ghana, submitting the case details to Ghanaian authorities.

However, despite several follow-ups, he has received no substantial updates, suspecting that Michael still resides in Dubai. Degle's return home did not mark the end of his struggles. His injuries have made it challenging for him to resume his previous life and work. Now, he rides an Okada motorbike, a common mode of transportation in Ghana, to support his family, but this livelihood is far from stable.

Some passengers shy away from boarding his motorbike upon seeing his disfigured face, while others deliberately treat him with condescension to aid his family's financial burden. Despite the daily grind, Degle manages to earn between GH¢150 and GH¢200, which he uses to provide for his wife, two children, and aging mother. They reside in an unfinished house without essential amenities, enduring the hardships of a rainy climate that infiltrates their living space.

Yet, each day, Degle embarks on his motorbike, tirelessly searching for passengers, knowing that his family's well-being hinges on his daily earnings.