Police probe deadly clashes at Homowo Festival in Sowutuom and Anyaa

The Accra Regional Police Command has launched an investigation into violent clashes that marred the climax of this year’s Homowo Festival at Sowutuom and Anyaa on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

According to police, the disturbances erupted during the traditional sprinkling of Kpokpoi after a misunderstanding broke out between supporters of two rival chiefs. The tension quickly escalated into gunfire, sparking chaos at the festival grounds.

In the aftermath, three individuals — identified as Abubakar Ramadan Sarbah, also known as Nii Kwashiebu, Theophilus Nii Amu Kwadjan, and Joseph Shaibu Dodoo — lost their lives. Four others sustained injuries. Victims, including Enoch Amevor, Samuel Adjei, Nathaniel Doku, and Frederick Lartey, alias Nii Obrafour, were rushed to medical facilities such as Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Ridge Hospital for treatment.

The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Police Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

Police say additional personnel have been deployed to restore calm in the affected communities, while intelligence-led operations are ongoing to track and arrest all those involved in the violence.

“The Command strongly cautions traditional leaders, elders, and their supporters to strictly adhere to agreed security arrangements and avoid acts that could jeopardize public peace,” Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Region, said in a statement.

The Homowo Festival, celebrated annually by the Ga people, is a period of thanksgiving and remembrance of victory over famine.

This year’s celebration was overshadowed by tragedy, as security agencies race to prevent further unrest.

In Teshie, two deaths have been reported following violent clashes linked to this year’s celebrations.

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