Two people are reportedly dead following a violent clash at Sowutuom on Saturday, August 30, 2025, during the Homowo festival.
Eyewitnesses who spoke to JoyNews under anonymity say the confrontation began when residents of Dwenewoho attempted to sprinkle Kpokpoi, a traditional dish central to the festival, in Sowutuom.
This was reportedly resisted by the local traditional leaders.
The disagreement is said to have quickly escalated into violence, with heavy gunfire reported.
“After the Chelsea game, we heard gunshots from the junction. For almost 30 minutes, bullets were flying everywhere,” an eyewitness told JoyNews.
“The Sowutuom people insisted Dwenewoho couldn’t sprinkle here, but they refused to stop. That was the cause of the fight.”
The eyewitness said the deceased included the Obrafor of Sowutuom and the son of the local chief. Several others were believed to be injured, though the exact number remains unclear.
He recounted how armed men stormed the area, forcing many residents to flee and lock up their shops.
“About five of them entered here with serious guns, shooting left, right, center. One man they were chasing ran into my place, but later went back out and was shot,” he added.
Police later moved in to restore calm, but many shops remained closed on Sunday as residents feared the violence could erupt again.
The Homowo festival, celebrated annually by the Ga people to mark the end of famine and the harvest season, is characterised by the sprinkling of Kpokpoi, a traditional dish symbolizing abundance and thanksgiving. However, in some communities, disagreements over where these rites may be performed have sparked tensions.
In Teshie, two deaths have been reported following violent clashes linked to this year’s celebrations.