Accra: The Accra Regional Police Command has commenced investigations into violent clashes that marred the climax of this year's Homowo Festival at Sowutuom and Anyaa in Accra. Preliminary investigations by the Ghana Police Service revealed that the disturbance began when a misunderstanding broke out between supporters of two rival chiefs during the sprinkling of Kpokpoi, the traditional food of the festival.
According to Ghana News Agency, a statement signed by Superintendent Juliana Obeng, the Head of Public Affairs, Accra Region, indicated that the disagreement quickly escalated into the exchange of gunfire. The violence spread further as some participants attempted to leave the festival grounds, with additional attacks recorded at Olebu.
In the process, three persons - Abubakar Ramadan Sarbah, also known as Nii Kwashiebu; Theophilus Nii Amu Kwadjan; and Joseph Shaibu Dodoo, lost their lives. The statement said four others sustained varying degrees of injuries. They are Enoch Amevor, who was treated and discharged; and Samuel Adjei, Nathaniel Doku, and Frederick Lartey, also known as Nii Obrafour, who are currently receiving medical care at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and the Ridge Hospital.
The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Police Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy. Meanwhile, the Police Command has deployed additional personnel to restore calm and ensure law and order in the affected areas. It said intelligence-led operations were underway to track down and arrest all persons connected to the violent incidents.
The Command cautioned traditional leaders, elders, and their supporters to strictly adhere to the agreed security arrangements during festivals and refrain from acts likely to jeopardize public peace.
