The Dzaasetse of Teshie, Nii Ashikei Kwaobotwe II, has assured the public that calm has been fully restored in the community following recent disturbances during the Homowo Kpokpoi Sprinkling ceremony in the Teshie Traditional area on Tuesday, August 26.
He urged tourists and well-wishers not to be deterred by recent security concerns in the community.
“The town is calm, and there is no cause for alarm. We are asking all would-be tourists and people who want to come and enjoy our hospitality not to be worried, they should come,” Nii Kwaobotwe said addressing the media on Wednesday, September 3.
His comments come in the wake of a court-imposed interlocutory injunction placed on outdoor activities in Teshie after violent clashes occurred during the traditional Kpokpoi sprinkling ceremony on August 29, leading to fatalities and heightened security.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the injunction, the Dzaasetse criticised what he described as a lack of cultural awareness among some state actors.
“It is our position that whenever any appointee – whether a policeman, a local government agent, or any official – is appointed into office, care should be taken to ensure the person is abreast with the customs and traditions of the area,” he stated.
Nii Kwaobotwe highlighted that in Teshie, the only traditionally sensitive periods during Homowo are the ban on drumming and dancing, and the Kpokpoi sprinkling itself – both of which had already passed without further incident.
“Since then, absolute calm has been restored,” he added.
Warning Against Blocking Traditional Kpashimo Procession
The Dzaasetse also issued a caution against attempts to halt the upcoming “Kpashimo” procession, a lively and symbolic street march that marks the climax of the Homowo festivities.
He warned that any forceful interruption could backfire and potentially lead to renewed unrest.
“It is very difficult to try and prevent the Kpashimo. Any person who tries to stop it will rather complicate matters, because the people will not succumb, and it may result in more deaths,” he cautioned.
Instead, he advocated for a diplomatic and persuasive approach to ensure that the remaining events proceed peacefully.
“We are left with only one day to go. We cannot stop the festival midway. As custodians of the land, the deities and ancestors will not spare us if we do not fully consummate what has been started,” he warned.
Passionate Appeal to Security Agencies
Nii Kwaobotwe made a passionate appeal to the security services to reconsider any plans aimed at halting the final day of celebrations.
“We urge the security agencies to think through any plans to put a hold on the Kpashimo ceremony, because it might not end well,” he stated.
