Two people have reportedly lost their lives following violent clashes during the celebration of the Homowo festival at Teshie in the Greater Accra Region.
The Ledzokuku Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) confirmed the violent disturbance during the Kpokpoi sprinkling ceremony in the Teshie Traditional Area.
The confrontation erupted during the traditional sprinkling of kpokpoi, a key ritual in the annual festival.
Tensions are believed to have flared between rival youth groups, resulting in chaos that left several others injured.
The authorities reported that the event began peacefully at around 6:00 a.m., with the youth engaging in customary early morning activities, including jogging, singing, and dancing.
However, the ceremony was disrupted by violent clashes between rival groups, which escalated into stone-throwing and sporadic gunfire.
Tragically, two victims — 30-year-old Eddy Blessing and 27-year-old Patrick Maamah Martey Fio — were pronounced dead on arrival. Another individual remains in critical condition, while several others are still receiving treatment.
Police sources confirm that two young men were fatally wounded in the melee. Their bodies have since been deposited at the mortuary, while those injured are receiving treatment at nearby health facilities.
Security has since been tightened in the area as police and military personnel have been deployed to prevent further disturbances.
Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those behind the violence.
The Teshie Divisional Police Command has assured residents that investigations are underway to bring the perpetrators to book.
Community leaders have expressed concern over the recurring violence associated with Homowo festivities in Teshie.
They have called for calm and urged youth to channel their energies into preserving the cultural heritage of the festival rather than resorting to violence.
The Homowo festival, celebrated by the Ga people, is marked with the sprinkling of kpokpoi to signify victory over famine and to give thanks for a bountiful harvest.
