At least three people have been confirmed dead following violent clashes during the Homowo festival at Olebu in the Greater Accra Region on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
The deceased have been identified as Abubakar Ramadan Sarbah alias 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.
A statement issued by the Ghana Police Service on Sunday, August 31, said preliminary investigations revealed that the incident was triggered by a misunderstanding between supporters of two rival chiefs during the sprinkling of the traditional festival food, Kpokpoi. The dispute escalated into an exchange of gunfire.
The chaos intensified when some attendees attempted to leave the festival grounds, leading to further attacks in parts of Olebu.
Four others — Enoch Amevor (treated and discharged), Samuel Adjei, Nathaniel Doku, and Frederick Lartey alias Nii Obrafour — sustained various degrees of injury. They are currently receiving treatment at different medical facilities, including the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Ridge Hospital.
The Accra Regional Police Command has since deployed additional personnel to restore calm and maintain order in the affected communities. Police say intelligence-led operations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all individuals connected to the violence.
The statement further cautioned traditional leaders, elders, and their supporters to strictly observe agreed security arrangements during festivals and avoid actions that could compromise public safety.