Three dead in Homowo violence: Sowutuom Chiefs demand full probe

The Sowutuom Traditional Council has called on the Ga Mantse, Nii Teiko Tsuru II, and the Ga Traditional Council to conduct a full-scale investigation into the violent clashes that disrupted this year’s Homowo Festival in Sowutuom.

The disturbances, which occurred on Saturday, August 30, during the traditional sprinkling of kpokpoi, left three people dead and four others injured. Among the deceased was Abubakar Ramadan Sarbah, popularly known as Nii Kwashiebu. The other victims were identified as Theophilus Nii Amu Kwadjan and Joseph Shaibu Dodoo.

Police reports indicate that the violence broke out after a misunderstanding between supporters of two rival chiefs during the sprinkling of kpokpoi, sparking gunfire and panic among attendees. The injured, including Enoch Amevor, Samuel Adjei, Nathaniel Doku, and Frederick Lartey (also known as Nii Obrafour), are currently receiving treatment at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Ridge Hospital.

The Sowutuom Nsufa Mantse, Nii Osabu Acquaye, and his elders expressed deep concern over the tragedy, insisting that the perpetrators be held accountable and urging swift government intervention to prevent further instability.

The council further noted that the violence could have been avoided if an earlier directive from the Ga Traditional Council had been enforced.

A communiqué issued on August 12 had banned the sprinkling of kpokpoi in areas such as Pokuase, Omanjor, Anahoma, Afiaman, and Oshuman as a preventive measure. The Sowutuom leaders argue that the disregard for this directive directly contributed to the fatal clashes.

Meanwhile, the Ga Traditional Council has condemned the violence as both unfortunate and unacceptable, extending condolences to the bereaved families and urging security agencies to apprehend those responsible.

The Accra Regional Police Command has since intensified patrols in the affected areas and arrested two suspects, Christian Saka Ahianyevi, a private security officer, and Newton Alotey, a dispatch rider. Items, including a locally made pistol, a cutlass, and spent BB cartridges, were retrieved from them.

Amid rising tensions, traditional leaders and their followers have been strongly cautioned to strictly observe security protocols to maintain peace and order during cultural celebrations.

The Sowutuom Traditional Council’s demand for a probe, it stressed, seeks not only justice for the deceased but also the restoration of trust and stability within the Ga community.

By: Bawa Musah

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