Three killed, four injured in violent Homowo clashes at Sowutuom and Anyaa

What should have been a joyous climax to this year’s Homowo Festival in Sowutuom and Anyaa ended in tragedy on Saturday, August 30, as violent clashes left three people dead and four others wounded.

According to a statement from the Accra Regional Police Command, the violence erupted during the traditional sprinkling of Kpokpoi, the ceremonial food of the Ga people. A misunderstanding between rival supporters of two chiefs escalated into open gunfire, throwing the gathering into chaos and sending terrified celebrants fleeing for safety.

The unrest quickly spilt over into Olebu, where fleeing residents reportedly came under further attack.

The deceased have been identified as Abubakar Ramadan Sarbah, popularly known as Nii Kwashiebu; Theophilus Nii Amu Kwadjan; and Joseph Shaibu Dodoo. Their bodies have since been deposited at the Police Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

Four others were injured in the clashes. Police confirmed that Enoch Amevor has been treated and discharged, while Samuel Adjei, Nathaniel Doku, and Frederick Lartey, also known as Nii Obrafour, remain on admission at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Ridge Hospital.

In response, security has been reinforced in the affected communities, with intelligence-led operations underway to track and arrest all those involved in the violence.

The Accra Regional Police Command cautioned traditional leaders and their followers to strictly respect security arrangements agreed for public festivals, warning that such indiscipline would no longer be tolerated.

This year’s Homowo, one of the Ga people’s most significant cultural celebrations, has now been overshadowed by bloodshed, reigniting concerns over how unresolved chieftaincy disputes continue to threaten peace and public safety in Accra.