Six Killed Over Homowo Kpekple Sprinkling … Son of Local Chief Included

Six persons have been killed in two seperate communities during chieftaincy rivalry fights that broke out over the sprinkling of the traditional food, ‘kpekple’ during the celebration of the annual Homowo festival this year.

The Ghana Police Service confirms that three persons, Abubakar Ramadan Sarbah alias Nii Kwashiebu, Theophilus Nii Amu Kwadjan, and Joseph Shaibu Dodoo, lost their lives in the violence that erupted during the climax of the annual Homowo Festival at Anyaa and Suwutuom on Saturday, 30th August 2025.

In the same Anyaa and Suwutuom area, the Police Service confirms that four others sustained various degrees of injuries and had to be rushed to various medical facilities, including Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Ridge Hospital.

The Teshie Police District Commander, Chief Superintendent Vincent Adotey, has told the media that three persons have been confirmed dead and several others injured after a violent clash during the sprinkling of kpekple to mark the 2025 Homowo celebrations in Teshie.

Chief Superintendent Vincent Adotey said the three killed persons have been identified as Eddie Blessing aged 30,  , Patrick Marmah Martey Fio aged 27; and Christopher Osekre Adjetey aged 29.

All three were killed in battle when two rival factions clashed at the Chief’s Palace in Lenshie, near the Manjaanor Shrine, when two rival factions clashed last Tuesday afternoon when the Paramount Chief, Gbetsorlor Nii Akonfra III, and his entourage were returning to the Palace.

 

Anyaa and Suwutuom  Killings

The trouble reportedly started when residents of Dwenewoho attempted to perform the traditional Kpokpoi sprinkling ritual in Sowutuom. Local leaders of the area resisted the move, insisting that the rites could not take place there. What began as a dispute over tradition quickly spiraled into violent chaos.

A witness told The New Publisher that within minutes the festival atmosphere turned into a battlefield.

“After the Chelsea game, we suddenly heard gunshots from the junction. We later learned that people from Dwenewoho tried to perform the traditional Kpokpoi sprinkling in Sowutuom, but the local leaders stopped them, saying it was not allowed. What started as a disagreement over tradition quickly turned into chaos. For almost half an hour, bullets were flying everywhere,” the eyewitness recalled.

According to him, the clash claimed the lives of the Obrafor of Sowutuom and the son of the local chief. Several others were wounded, though the exact number remains uncertain.

Residents described scenes of terror as armed men stormed the streets, forcing people to run for cover.

By the time the police fully calmed the situation, Sowutuom was a ghost town. Shops stayed locked even on Sunday, with residents too frightened to resume business, fearing that the clashes could return.

This year’s Homowo celebrations have seen bloodshed not only in Sowutuom but also in Teshie.

Teshie Killings

The Teshie Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) confirmed that the violence began in the early morning when rival groups stormed the ceremony.

Stones were hurled, gunshots fired, and police had to intervene to restore calm. For a brief moment, peace returned to allow Paramount Chief Gbetsoolo Nii Ashitey Akonfra III to perform his rites, but it did not last.

Renewed fighting broke out later, this time involving rival factions aligned to different traditional leaders.

Hospitals in the area were overwhelmed as the wounded poured in, while frantic family members rushed to check on loved ones. MUSEC has assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that those responsible will face justice.

Videos circulating on social media show people bleeding from gunshot wounds and others struck with stones. Journalists at the scene reported hiding in fear as they waited for police reinforcements.

Local authorities have since appealed to traditional leaders to avoid using firearms during such ceremonies.

This year, however, the sprinkling of Kpokpoi has been overshadowed by bloodshed, leaving many Ga communities mourning instead of rejoicing.

Police Statement

 

1. The Accra Regional Police Command has initiated an investigation into violent incidents during the climax of the annual Homowo Festival at Anyaa and Suwutuom on Saturday, 30th August 2025.
2. 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. The situation escalated when some attendees attempted to leave the festival grounds, resulting in further attacks at Olebu.
3. Three persons, Abubakar Ramadan Sarbah alias Nii Kwashiebu, Theophilus Nii Amu Kwadjan, and Joseph Shaibu Dodoo, lost their lives in the violence. Additionally, four individuals, Enoch Amevor (treated and discharged), Samuel Adjei, Nathaniel Doku, and Frederick Lartey alias Nii Obrafour, sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at various medical facilities, including Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Ridge Hospital.
4. The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Police Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while the injured are receiving the necessary medical attention.
5. The Accra Regional Police Command has deployed additional personnel to restore calm and maintain law and order in the affected areas. Intelligence-led operations are underway to identify and arrest all those involved in the violence.
6. The Command strongly cautions traditional leaders, elders, and their supporters to adhere strictly to agreed security arrangements and avoid acts that could jeopardize public peace.

Signed

Ms. JULIANA OBENG [SUPT]

 HEAD OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

ACCRA REGION