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The joy of the Homowo festival in Sowutuom, Accra, was cut short on Saturday, August 30, 2025, when violent clashes erupted during the sprinkling of kpokpoi, leaving at least two people dead and several others injured.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as gunfire rang out for nearly 30 minutes, forcing residents to lock themselves indoors while shops quickly shut their doors.
What exactly happened in Sowutuom?
The violence broke out when a group from Dwenewoho attempted to sprinkle kpokpoi in Sowutuom. Local leaders reportedly resisted the act, leading to a heated standoff. Within moments, the dispute escalated, and armed men stormed the area, opening fire. Witnesses said one man who initially ran into a house for safety later stepped outside—only to be shot dead.
Who were the casualties?
Among those killed were the Obrafor of Sowutuom and the son of the local chief. Reports also confirmed more people sustained injuries, but the exact number of wounded is yet to be disclosed.
What is the significance of kpokpoi and why the dispute?
Kpokpoi is a traditional cornmeal dish prepared and sprinkled during Homowo, a Ga festival that celebrates the end of famine and the blessing of harvest. The sprinkling ritual holds deep cultural meaning, symbolizing gratitude and fertility. Disagreements often arise when groups attempt to perform the ritual in areas where traditional leadership disputes exist. In Sowutuom’s case, the attempted sprinkling by Dwenewoho residents was strongly resisted, sparking the deadly clash.
Has this happened elsewhere during Homowo?
Yes. Just four days earlier, on August 26, 2025, similar violence broke out in Teshie during a kpokpoi sprinkling ceremony. That incident left two young men dead — Eddy Blessing, 30, and Patrick Maamah Martey Fio, 27 — while several others were critically injured. In response, an Accra High Court issued an injunction on August 29, banning all outdoor, non-traditional Homowo activities in Teshie to prevent further violence.
How did the police respond in Sowutuom?
Police eventually moved in to restore calm after the clashes, but the violence had already shaken the community. On Sunday, many shops remained closed, and residents described the atmosphere as tense and fearful.
What’s next for the celebrations?
While Homowo continues in other Ga communities, the recent clashes in Sowutuom and Teshie have cast a shadow over the festival. Community leaders and security agencies are now under pressure to step in and ensure peace, so that a celebration of abundance does not continue to be marked by bloodshed.
