- Two men have been remanded into custody following a violent clash that marred the Homowo Festival in Omanjor, Accra.
- The suspects, charged with murder and rioting, are believed to have acted alongside 30 others who remain at large.
- The incident left three dead and several injured, casting a dark shadow over what was meant to be a celebration of tradition.
What began as a cultural procession ended in bloodshed. Two men—Christian Saka Ahianyevi, 35, and Newtown Allotey, 26—have been charged with murder, conspiracy, and rioting after a deadly confrontation during the Homowo Festival in Omanjor, Accra.
The festival, held on August 30, was meant to unite communities through the traditional sprinkling of Kpokpoi. But near the “Police land” area, tensions flared. A group, allegedly led by the accused and 30 others still at large, confronted the Omanjor chief’s entourage, claiming they had trespassed on disputed land.
The confrontation escalated into gunfire. Three people—Abubakar Ramadan Sarbahaka Nii Kwashiebu, Joseph Shaibu Dodoo, and Theophilus Nii Amu Kwadjan—were killed. Several others, including Frederick Lartey (Nii Obrafour), Samuel Adjei, and Nathaniel Doku, sustained injuries and were rushed to Ridge and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospitals.
Police moved swiftly. Intelligence gathered the following day led to the arrest of Christian and Newton. A locally manufactured pistol and machete were recovered from Christian, while 18 empty cartridges were found in Newton’s room.
Appearing before the Adabraka District Court on September 5, the suspects were remanded into custody. Their pleas were not taken due to the gravity of the charges. The case has been adjourned to September 29, as investigations continue and efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects intensify.
The tragedy has shaken the Omanjor community, turning a day of celebration into a call for justice.
