Police investigate deaths of three persons during Homowo clashes in Sowutuom, Anyaa 

Police have launched investigations into violent clashes at the Homowo festival in Sowutuom and Anyaa that left three people dead and several others injured.

The Accra Regional Police Command stated that the incident occurred on Saturday, August 30, 2025, during the climax of the annual Homowo celebration.

The festival, which is marked across Ga communities with a traditional sprinkling of Kpokpoi, turned bloody when a misunderstanding broke out among rival factions.

According to preliminary police reports, the clashes began when followers of two rival chiefs disagreed during the sprinkling of the traditional food. What started as a verbal confrontation escalated quickly into gunfire, creating panic and forcing some residents to flee the festival grounds. The violence later spread to nearby Olebu, where further attacks were recorded.

Three persons — Abubakar Ramadan Sarbah alias Nii Kwashiebu, Theophilus Nii Amu Kwadjan, and Joseph Shaibu Dodoo — were killed in the disturbances. Four others, namely Enoch Amevor, Samuel Adjei, Nathaniel Doku, and Frederick Lartey alias Nii Obrafoor, sustained various degrees of injury. They are receiving medical attention at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ridge Hospital, and other health facilities. Police confirmed that Enoch Amevor has since been treated and discharged.

The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Police Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy. Family members of the victims have been informed, while the police continue with their investigations.

In response to the violence, the Accra Regional Police Command has deployed additional personnel to maintain law and order in Sowutuom, Anyaa, and surrounding communities. The Command noted that intelligence-led operations are underway to identify and arrest all those connected to the clashes.

The police have also cautioned traditional leaders, elders, and their supporters to abide by agreed security arrangements to avoid further bloodshed. “We are urging all stakeholders to cooperate with security arrangements and avoid acts that threaten the peace and safety of the public,” the statement from the Police Command said.

The Homowo festival is one of the most important cultural celebrations among the Ga people, marked with drumming, dancing, and the sprinkling of Kpokpoi to signify victory over famine. However, in recent years, rivalries among factions have occasionally disrupted the festivities, raising concerns over security in some communities.

Police say calm has since been restored to the affected areas, but investigations continue. Security agencies are appealing to residents with information on the perpetrators to assist law enforcement in bringing them to justice.