Innocent residents of Teshie were caught in a shooting incident on Monday, August 12, 2024, during the ban on drumming and noise-making (“Gbemli Laa”), despite a court order restraining the Traditional Council.
The first traditional rite for that event had already been performed by the Osabu-Ayiku Wulomo (Numo Badu Odaanor Odiapenser I) on August 5, 2024.
The Accra Regional Police Anti-Land Guard Unit allegedly shot three people while one faction of the Traditional Divide held their part of the festival.
Noah Adjetey and Kai Sowah, two of the injured, were treated at LEKMA Hospital and have since been discharged. Ablorh Boye, the third victim, was transferred to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital for surgery, with fears that he may face amputation due to the severity of his injuries.
This marks the third occurrence of such violence in Teshie within four years, with the underlying traditional disputes still unresolved.
Residents have accused prominent NPP and government officials, including Hon. Henry Quartey (Interior Minister), Hon. Titus Glover (Greater Accra Regional Minister), Modekai Quarshie (MCE for LEKMA), and parliamentary candidate for NPP in Ledzokuku, Dr. Okoe Boye, of aiding and siding with one faction in the ongoing chieftaincy dispute, further exacerbating tensions.
The community is now calling for a comprehensive investigation into the shooting and urging political figures to remain neutral, as the chieftaincy matter is still before the Judicial Committee of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs. They are also demanding the release of a pending fact-finding report on Teshie Traditional matters to facilitate a resolution.
Additionally, the community is calling for compensation to be provided to the victims of the incident.