An Accra High court on Friday,August 29,halted all public and outdoor festivities related to this year’s Teshie Homowo Festival, citing security concerns after violent clashes earlier in the week left two people dead and several injured.
The injunction, issued by the Criminal Division of the Accra High Court, suspends all non-traditional events scheduled for the weekend, including street processions and communal gatherings. Only customary rites may proceed, the court ruled.
The decision follows an ex parte motion filed by the Ghana Police Service, supported by an affidavit from PW L/Cpl. Sandra Mintah. Assistant Superintendent of Police Benjamin Baafi, who moved the application, told the court that violence erupted on Tuesday, August 26, during the ritual sprinkling of Kpokpoi, a traditional dish, when youth from the rival Lenshie and Gbugblah clans clashed.
Authorities say the violence has heightened tensions in the coastal Accra suburb of Teshie, raising fears of further unrest if public events continue as planned.
“In the interest of public safety, peace, and security, all outdoor activities associated with the festival are to be suspended,” the court ordered.
The Homowo Festival, celebrated by the Ga people of southern Ghana, is one of the country’s most prominent cultural events, traditionally marked with processions, drumming, dancing, and feasting.
