A violent clash during the Teshie Homowo festival has resulted in three fatalities and several injuries. The tragic incident occurred on August 26, 2025, during the traditional sprinkling of kpokpoi at the Chief’s Palace in Lenshie, near the Manjaanor Shrine. The altercation involved two rival factions, leading to a deadly confrontation.
The deceased have been identified as Patrick Marmah Martey, 27; Christopher Osekre Adjetey, 29; and Eddie Blessing, whose age remains undisclosed. Chief Superintendent Vincent Adotey, District Commander of the Teshie Police, provided details to the Daily Graphic on Wednesday, explaining that the violence began around 1:30 PM when the Paramount Chief, Gbetsorlor Nii Akonfra III, and his entourage were returning to the palace after performing the kpokpoi sprinkling rites at various locations in Teshie.
Upon their return to the palace, supporters of the Paramount Chief remained outside, while the Atofoatse, Nii Dzata, and his followers arrived to perform their own sprinkling. Tensions escalated when supporters of the Paramount Chief prevented them from carrying out the ritual, leading to a violent altercation that involved stone and bottle-throwing, followed by gunfire.
Chief Superintendent Adotey revealed that prior to the incident, the Municipal Security Committee had issued a directive that chiefs of various clans within Teshie restrict the sprinkling of kpokpoi to their respective clan houses in an attempt to avoid confrontations. However, Atofoatse Nii Dzata defied this order, asserting that a deity at the palace, Naa Yoomo, required his offering. This provoked a violent confrontation between his supporters and those of the Paramount Chief.
Despite efforts by law enforcement to restore order, the violence resulted in multiple injuries. Some of the injured, who were in critical condition, were rushed to the LEKMA Hospital and Family Health Hospital for treatment. Tragically, one of the critically injured victims later passed away during surgery, and two others died at Family Health Hospital.
Earlier Clashes and Tensions
Superintendent Adotey also revealed that tensions had been rising earlier in the day. As early as 6:00 AM, youth groups engaged in kpashimor, a traditional display of dancing and singing associated with the festival. During this time, two rival youth groups, known as Ofite and 50 Cent, clashed while jogging through the streets. Though the police intervened and restored order, the situation worsened later that afternoon during the kpokpoi sprinkling.
Concerns of Retaliatory Attacks
In light of these developments, security forces are concerned about potential retaliatory violence. The Municipal Security Committee is considering placing an injunction on all remaining public events related to the festival in order to prevent further bloodshed. Superintendent Adotey confirmed that intelligence reports indicated possible retaliation by some factions.
“The situation remains tense, and we are taking necessary precautions to prevent any further escalation. If the directive to halt public celebrations is ignored, we will deploy additional security forces to maintain order,” he stated.
Call for Calm and Accountability
Kabu Saint, the Assembly Member for the Okesekor Electoral Area in Teshie, called for calm and urged all factions to allow the law to take its course. He assured the public that those responsible for the violence would be held accountable. Assembly Members have already visited the families of the deceased to express their condolences.
The Teshie Homowo festival, which was marred by this tragic violence, is expected to conclude on Saturday, September 6. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and further measures may be taken to ensure the safety of residents and festival-goers.
Source: theghanareport
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