Three people have been confirmed dead and four others injured following violent clashes during the climax of the Homowo Festival at Sowutuom and Anyaa in the Greater Accra Region on Saturday, August 30.
A statement from the Accra Regional Police Command said the violence broke out during the sprinkling of Kpokpoi, the festival’s ceremonial food, when a misunderstanding between supporters of two rival chiefs escalated into gunfire, sending panic through the crowd.
The chaos later spread to Olebu, where those fleeing the scene came under further attacks.
The deceased have been identified as Abubakar Ramadan Sarbah, alias Nii Kwashiebu; Theophilus Nii Amu Kwadjan; and Joseph Shaibu Dodoo. Their bodies have been deposited at the Police Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Four others also sustained injuries, police say. Enoch Amevor has since been treated and discharged, while Samuel Adjei, Nathaniel Doku, and Frederick Lartey (alias Nii Obrafour) are receiving treatment at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Ridge Hospital.
Police have since deployed additional personnel to restore calm in the affected communities. Intelligence-led operations are underway to track and arrest those involved.
The Accra Regional Police Command also warned traditional leaders and their supporters to strictly adhere to agreed security arrangements during public festivals to prevent bloodshed and safeguard peace.
This year’s Homowo Festival, one of the most significant celebrations of the Ga people, has now been overshadowed by violence, once again raising concerns over the impact of chieftaincy disputes on public safety.
