A chieftaincy dispute turned fatal on Wednesday, October 22, during preparations for the Odwira Festival near Aburi, resulting in one confirmed death and several injuries. The Eastern Regional Police Command has since arrested 34 suspects and launched a full investigation into the incident.
According to police reports, the clash erupted during a traditional ceremony in Ahwerease to mark the lifting of a ban on noise-making, a ritual that heralds the beginning of the festival. A disagreement over protocol and the rightful authority to perform the ritual escalated between the Abokomahene of the Asona family, Nana Semenyia Akrofa, and the Bemuhene of Ahwerease.
As tensions flared, individuals within youth groups at the scene began firing gunshots. The shooting resulted in four individuals being struck; one was later pronounced dead, while the other three sustained varying injuries and are currently receiving treatment at Aburi Hospital.
Police intervention restored order to the area. Law enforcement officials have confirmed the arrest of 34 individuals, who are currently in custody at the Aburi Police Station assisting with the investigation. Two firearms—a pump-action gun and a pistol—were recovered from the scene.
In a statement, the Public Relations Officer for the Eastern Regional Police Command, Superintendent Ebenezer Tetteh, affirmed that the police are committed to ensuring the law takes its full course upon the conclusion of the investigation.
“This is to serve as a deterrent to others who may be bent on fomenting trouble,” Superintendent Tetteh stated. “The police will ensure that nobody takes the law into their own hands. We are going to ensure that any miscreant who attempts to cause trouble is quickly arrested and dealt with according to the law. The security of the area will be maintained before, during, and after the festival to allow citizens to go about their activities without fear.”
The incident has raised renewed concerns about the use of firearms during public celebrations. The absence of clear, firm regulations governing the carrying and use of arms at such events continues to be cited as a significant risk to public safety.
Confirming the incident, Ahwererase Osiahene Nana Owusu Anakwah Ntow noted that traditional authorities are actively engaging with all stakeholders to restore lasting peace and prevent a recurrence.
An uneasy calm has returned to Ahwerease, though residents remain shaken. In response, the Assemblyman for the Oware Ahwerase electoral area, Samuel Anoff Agyiri, has called for a bolstered police presence to prevent any potential reprisal attacks and to ensure a peaceful continuation of the Odwira Festival.