LEKMA Hospital pronounces two dead after shooting at Teshie Homowo celebration

Two people have been confirmed dead and several others injured following violent clashes during the Homowo Kpokpoi Sprinkling Ceremony in the Teshie Traditional Area on Tuesday, August 26.

The deceased, identified as 30-year-old Eddy Blessing and 27-year-old Patrick Maamah Martey Fio, were pronounced dead on arrival at the LEKMA Hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds.

Multiple others were wounded in the chaos, with at least one person reported to be in critical condition.

According to the Ledzokuku Municipal Security Council (MUSEC), the violence erupted in the early hours of the celebration when rival factions disrupted the traditional event. Stone-pelting and sporadic gunfire forced a swift police response to restore order.

A temporary calm allowed Paramount Chief Gbetsoolo Nii Ashitey Akonfra III to carry out his traditional rites.

However, renewed confrontations broke out later in the morning, this time between supporters of rival traditional authorities.

The violent scenes led to panic at local hospitals as families rushed to check on injured relatives.

Health officials and security personnel managed to stabilize the situation at the facilities and across the affected communities.

MUSEC says investigations are underway to apprehend those responsible, assuring the public that justice will be served.

The council has extended condolences to the bereaved families and expressed wishes for the full recovery of the injured.

It has also called on residents and traditional groups to remain calm and support peace-building efforts in Teshie.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith