Two people lost their lives and several others were injured following violent clashes during the Homowo Kpokpoi Sprinkling Ceremony in the Teshie Traditional Area on Tuesday, August 26.
The deceased, a 30-year-old and a 27-year-old were both pronounced dead on arrival at Lekma Hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds. Other victims are receiving treatment, with one reported to be in critical condition.
According to the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) of the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly, the disturbances erupted in the early hours of the ceremony when rival groups disrupted the festivities. Stones were pelted, and sporadic gunfire was recorded, prompting swift police intervention.
Although calm was briefly restored to enable Paramount Chief Gbetsoolo Nii Ashitey Akonfra III to perform his traditional rites, fresh clashes broke out later in the morning, this time involving factions aligned with different traditional leaders.
The violence created tense scenes at health facilities as families rushed to check on loved ones, but authorities managed to contain the situation. Calm has since returned to the area.
MUSEC has launched investigations to track down those behind the violence, assuring the public that perpetrators will face the full rigours of the law. The council also extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery, urging residents and traditional factions in Teshie to remain calm and cooperate with security efforts to ensure lasting peace.
