A 27-year-old man, Mr Agbey Mawuko Godwin, popularly known as Sarki, sustained gunshot wounds to his thighs during a Dipo rite in Sawer, a suburb of Somanya in the Eastern Region.
The incident occurred over the weekend as the community observed the Dipo rites — a cultural initiation ceremony for young girls, often accompanied by traditional performances, including musketry displays.
According to Mr. Godwin, his house is located close to the Dipo Rock, the ceremonial grounds where the rites are held. He recounted that while indoors, he heard loud gunfire from the festivities and stepped outside, only to be struck by a stray bullet.
“I was in my room when I heard the gunshots. Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my thighs and realised I had been shot,” he recounted.
He explained that the bullet entered through his porch, struck a bowl of water, and penetrated his thighs, also injuring part of his manhood in the process.
Adding, “A bystander lady who was observing the ceremony came into my room after hearing me scream and saw me bleeding. She told me that the shooter had accidentally discharged the firearmwhile reloading.”
The Somanya District Police Commander, Mr Abrokwa Kingsley, confirmed to the that the victim was taken to Atua Government Hospital for medical treatment.
The victim Mr. Abbey Godwin explained that a scan examination revealed that there was only one bullet in his system, but after an X-ray examination, two bullets were removed from his thighs.
Following the incident, Mr Godwin said that local leaders, including a community chief and an assemblyman, initially attempted to resolve the matter privately. However, the police were later informed
The suspect has since been invited by police to assist investigation.
Meanwhile, Mr James Knowels, the employer of the victim, is calling for justice and financial compensation for the victim, who he describes as the sole breadwinner of his family.
“He is supporting his younger brother in senior high school and sponsoring his sister through nursing training, and If he is not compensated and supported during his recovery, the family will suffer” he said.
