Teshie Traditional Council demands probe into Homowo clashes that claimed three lives

The Teshie Traditional Council has called for a thorough investigation and prosecution of those behind the violent clashes that marred this year’s Homowo Festival, leaving three people, including a child, dead and several others injured.

At a press conference on Wednesday, the Teshie Mantse, Gbetsorlor Nii Ashitey Akomfra III, condemned what he described as “senseless killings,” stressing that the recurring violence during the Kpokpoi-shwamo (sprinkling of Kpokpoi) not only tarnished the town’s image but also undermined the cultural and economic potential of the festival.

“We hereby condemn in no uncertain terms the institutionalisation of guns, cutlasses, and other offensive weapons in the Teshie Homowo culture and tradition in recent times,” he said, urging security agencies to treat the matter as a high-profile homicide case.

The chief revealed that the traditional council had notified security agencies of a possible attack before the festival and had been assured of protection, yet the disturbances still occurred.

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Rejecting claims that he orchestrated the violence, Gbetsorlor Akomfra said, “It is absurd and illogical to suggest that I, as Teshie Mantse, masterminded an attack on my own people, stage-managed the shooting of my personal dish-carrier, and caused my loyalists to fire live bullets into my palace to endanger my special guests.”

He explained that the clashes erupted when “a group of militants,” clad in red attire and escorted by motorbike riders, entered the palace during the Kpokpoi sprinkling, a practice he described as taboo during Homowo in Ga communities, where white attire traditionally symbolises peace and purity.

The Mantse apologised to the Chiefs and people of Aflao-Teshie, Lome, invited guests, and the media for the traumatic events, while calling for unity to help identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.

He also announced plans by the traditional council to establish an endowment fund to support the families of the deceased, including financing the education of their children.

Present at the press briefing were Nii Ashikwei Kwaobotwe II, Teshie Dzaasetse; Nii Adjetey Okpye III, Shikiteeley; Nii Kotey Afutu Brempong III, Pantang Mantse; Shibulor Nii Martey Sanshie IV, Atofotse; and Nii Akpor Sowah, Otsaame.