The Accra Regional Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into violent clashes during the Homowo festival at Sowutuom and Anyaa on Saturday, August 30, 2025, which left three people dead, and several others injured.
In a statement issued on Sunday, August 31, and signed by Supt. Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Region, police confirmed that the violence stemmed from a dispute between rival traditional factions during the ceremonial sprinkling of Kpokpoi.
The confrontation escalated into an exchange of gunfire and spread to nearby Olebu.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that a misunderstanding broke out between followers of two rival chiefs during the sprinkling of the traditional food (Kpokpoi), leading to an exchange of gunfire. Three persons lost their lives, while others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at various medical facilities,” the statement noted.
The deceased have been identified as Abubakar Ramadan Sarbah (alias Nii Kwashiebu), Theophilus Nii Amu Kwadjan, and Joseph Shaibu Dodoo.
Injured persons include Enoch Amevor, Samuel Adjei, Nathaniel Doku, and Frederick Lartey (alias Nii Obrafour), who were rushed to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Ridge Hospital for treatment.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, recounting sustained gunfire. “After the Chelsea game, we heard gunshots from the junction.
For almost 30 minutes, bullets were flying everywhere,” one resident said.
Others claimed the clashes were triggered when Sowutuom leaders resisted attempts by residents of Dwenewoho to perform their own Kpokpoi rites in the area.
Police say calm has since been restored and assured residents that security has been reinforced. “The Police remain on the ground to restore calm and maintain law and order,” the statement added, noting that intelligence-led patrols are underway.
The Command urged traditional leaders and their followers to avoid provocations that could further threaten public peace.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
