Two people have died and several others sustained injuries following violent clashes during the Homowo Kpokpoi Sprinkling Ceremony in the Teshie Traditional Area on Tuesday, August 26.
The deceased have been identified as 30-year-old Eddy Blessing and 27-year-old Patrick Maamah Martey Fio.
They were confirmed dead on arrival at the Lekma Hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds. Other injured persons are receiving treatment, with one reported to be in critical condition.
The Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) of the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly said the disturbances erupted during the early morning festivities, when rival groups disrupted the otherwise peaceful ceremony. Stones were hurled, and sporadic gunfire was recorded, forcing police to intervene.
Although calm was briefly restored to allow Paramount Chief Gbetsoolo Nii Ashitey Akonfra III to perform his traditional rites, renewed clashes broke out later in the morning, this time involving factions aligned to different traditional leaders.
The violent scenes created chaos at emergency units as family members rushed to hospitals, but police and health authorities managed to control tensions. Calm has since been restored to the area.
MUSEC says investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, assuring the public that those responsible will face the full rigors of the law.
The council expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery, while urging residents and traditional factions in Teshie to remain calm and support ongoing investigations to safeguard lasting peace.