The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) has condemned the violent clashes at the Kpokpoi sprinkling ceremony in Teshie, which claimed two lives and left several others injured on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
In a statement, the Commission extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
NACSA described the incident as a painful reminder of the growing misuse of firearms at traditional gatherings and called on chiefs and elders to immediately ban the use of guns during festivals to safeguard lives.
While noting that an Arms Bill has already been submitted to the Minister of the Interior to tighten firearm regulations, NACSA stressed that an immediate ban is urgently needed to prevent further loss of life and ensure cultural events remain peaceful.
The Commission also pledged continued collaboration with traditional leaders, civil society groups, and security agencies to raise awareness of the dangers of firearms misuse, while advancing efforts to align national laws with international best practices.
The tragedy occurred during the Homowo Kpokpoi sprinkling ceremony in Teshie, a sacred ritual meant to ward off hunger and celebrate the community’s heritage.
However, the event turned bloody when rival groups disrupted the ceremony with violent clashes involving stone-throwing and sporadic gunfire.
Two young men, 30-year-old Eddy Blessing and 27-year-old Patrick Maamah Martey Fio, lost their lives after sustaining gunshot wounds.
They were confirmed dead on arrival at Lekma Hospital, while several others were admitted with varying degrees of injuries, including some in critical condition.
Calm was briefly restored to allow the Paramount Chief, Gbetsoolo Nii Ashitey Akonfra III, to perform his ritual duties, but hostilities soon flared up again, with factions aligned to different traditional leaders reigniting the clashes.
The Ledzokuku Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) has since launched investigations into the violence, assuring residents that perpetrators will face justice.
Authorities have also appealed for calm in the community and urged cooperation with law enforcement to prevent further unrest.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
