A file photo illustrating rampaging youths holding sticks during a violent clash
Multiple reports indicate that violent clashes between two rival groups from Sowutuom and Omanjor resulted in a shooting incident that claimed three lives on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
What caused the clashes
According to an earlier report by GhanaWeb, published on August 30, 2025, the incident occurred during the annual Homowo festival celebration at Omanjor, in the Greater Accra Region.
Watch footage of deadly Homowo Festival clashes in Sowutuom that left 3 dead, 4 injured
The ceremony reportedly took a violent turn when the traditional Kpoikpoi sprinkling was disrupted by a clash between rival groups, resulting in the death of three persons and several others including a police officer, sustaining various degree of injuries.
Additionally, reports available to GhanaWeb added that the conflict, stemmed from a dispute over the approved route for the ritual.
According to reports, the Omanjor community failed to adhere to the designated route approved for the ceremonial sprinkling of kpoikpoi, a traditional maize-based dish, prompting a confrontation with a rival group from Sowutuom.
The group from Sowutuom, armed and with the intention to halt the ceremony, allegedly opened fire, injuring several people and killing three in the ensuing chaos.
Alleged feud between groups
The clash on Saturday, August 30, 2025, is further reported to have come on the back of a longstanding dispute between the Omanjor and Sowutuom communities over land boundaries and ritual routes, which has previously led to tensions during cultural events.
Local authorities had earlier attempted to mediate the matter by assigning specific routes for the Homowo activities.
Police investigations
Meanwhile, the Accra Regional Police Command of the Ghana Police Service, has said it has commenced investigations into the incident confirming the death of three persons, namely; Abubakar Ramadan Sarbah alias Nii Kwashiebu, Theophilus Nii Amu Kwadjan, and Joseph Shaibu Dodoo.
“The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Police Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while the injured are receiving the necessary medical attention,” the police said in a press statement dated August 31, 2025.
Additionally, four individuals, Enoch Amevor (treated and discharged), Samuel Adjei, Nathaniel Doku, and Frederick Lartey alias Nii Obrafour, sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at various medical facilities, including Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Ridge Hospital.
Anyaa Sowutuom MP reacts to violent clashes that claimed three lives at Omanjor
Enhanced security
The police, in their efforts to restore calm and ease tensions, said they have heightened security by deploying more personnel to the area to maintain law and order.
“The Accra Regional Police Command has deployed additional personnel to restore calm and maintain law and order in the affected areas. Intelligence-led operations are underway to identify and arrest all those involved in the violence,” the statement added.
MAG/VPO
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