Violence erupted Tuesday,August 26,during a traditional Homowo festival ceremony in the Teshie area of Accra, leaving two people dead and several others injured, local authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred during the Kpokpoi sprinkling ritual, a central feature of the Ga people's Homowo harvest festival. According to officials from the Ledzokuku Municipal Security Council (MUSEC), tensions flared in the early morning hours when rival factions disrupted the ceremony, leading to confrontations involving stone-throwing and gunfire.
The deceased, identified as 30-year-old Eddy Blessing and 27-year-old Patrick Maamah Martey Fio, were pronounced dead on arrival at Lekma Hospital with gunshot wounds. Several others were injured, including one individual in critical condition.
Authorities said police were deployed to quell the initial violence and temporarily restored order, allowing Paramount Chief Gbetsoolo Nii Ashitey Akonfra III to complete ceremonial rites. However, renewed clashes later broke out between supporters of rival traditional leaders, further escalating the situation.
Emergency units at local hospitals were overwhelmed as relatives of victims arrived, but health and security personnel were able to stabilize the situation. By late Tuesday, calm had returned to the area, though a heavy police presence remained.
MUSEC said an investigation is underway to identify those responsible for the violence. In a statement, the council extended condolences to the families of the deceased and urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement to maintain peace in the community.
“The perpetrators of this violence will be brought to justice,” the statement read. “We call on all factions to remain calm and allow due process to take its course.”
The Homowo festival, celebrated annually by the Ga people, is intended to mark a period of abundance following historical famine. It is typically characterized by traditional rites, communal feasting, and cultural performances. This year’s events, however, were overshadowed by the deadly unrest.
