The climax of this year’s Homowo Festival in Sowutuom and Anyaa in the Greater Accra Region was marred by deadly violence on Saturday, August 30, leaving three people dead and four others injured.
According to a statement from the Accra Regional Police Command, the clashes erupted during the sprinkling of Kpokpoi, the ceremonial food of the festival, after a misunderstanding between rival factions loyal to two chiefs escalated into gunfire, sparking panic among attendees.
The violence later spread to Olebu, where some fleeing residents were attacked.
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.
Police further confirmed that four people were injured. Enoch Amevor has since been treated and discharged, while Samuel Adjei, Nathaniel Doku, and Frederick Lartey (alias Nii Obrafour) remain on admission at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Ridge Hospital.
In response, additional police personnel have been deployed to restore calm in Sowutuom, Anyaa, and surrounding areas. Intelligence-led operations are ongoing to track and arrest suspects involved in the disturbances.
The police command also cautioned traditional leaders and their followers to comply with agreed security measures during public festivals to prevent further bloodshed and protect public safety.
This year’s Homowo Festival, a key celebration of the Ga people, has now been overshadowed by violence, once again highlighting the dangers posed by unresolved chieftaincy disputes in Ghana.
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