One Dead, Four Injured in Odwira Festival Shooting — Police Launch Full-Scale Investigation
A violent clash at the Odwira Festival in Ahwerease, a community in the Akuapem South Municipality of Ghana’s Eastern Region, has left one person dead and four others with gunshot wounds. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, has raised concerns about the growing tension surrounding traditional authority disputes during local festivals.
According to the Ghana Police Service, 34 suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting. They are currently assisting investigators at the Aburi Police Station. A pump-action shotgun and a pistol were recovered from the scene as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Preliminary police reports indicate that the violence broke out when the Abokomahene of the Asona Family, Nana Semenhyia Asakrofa, performed traditional rites to lift the ban on drumming and noise-making — a ceremony that marks the official start of the Odwira Festival.
However, the Abimuhene of Ahwerease reportedly contested the Abokomahene’s authority to perform the ritual, leading to a heated confrontation between their supporters.
Eyewitnesses say the dispute quickly escalated, and gunshots were fired by unidentified individuals within the crowd, injuring several people. One of the victims was later pronounced dead at a nearby health facility.
In an interview with the media, Superintendent Ebenezer Tetteh, Eastern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrests and the recovery of firearms from the scene.
He stated that the retrieved weapons would undergo forensic examination to determine whether they were used in the shooting.
“We have 34 suspects in custody assisting with investigations. Two firearms — a pump-action gun and a pistol — were retrieved from the scene and will be examined as part of the evidence,” Superintendent Tetteh said.
He assured residents that the police were working closely with traditional authorities and festival organizers to maintain calm and prevent further disturbances.
Police sources confirmed that the four injured victims are receiving treatment at various hospitals in the Eastern Region. Medical staff have described their conditions as stable.
Community members expressed shock and sadness over the incident, noting that the Odwira Festival — traditionally a celebration of unity and thanksgiving — has rarely witnessed such violence in recent years.
The Odwira Festival is one of the most culturally significant celebrations in Akuapem and other Akan-speaking communities. It is typically marked by purification rites, traditional performances, and communal feasting to renew unity and prosperity among the people.
However, disputes over chieftaincy succession and ritual authority have occasionally marred the festivities in some towns. In 2019, for example, a similar altercation during Odwira celebrations in Akropong led to several arrests, though no fatalities were recorded.
Cultural experts have urged traditional councils to clearly define ceremonial roles and lines of authority to avoid overlapping responsibilities that could lead to such conflicts.
Superintendent Tetteh reiterated the police’s commitment to upholding peace and ensuring accountability for those involved.
“The Ghana Police Service will not tolerate acts of lawlessness. Anyone found culpable will face the full rigours of the law,” he warned. “Our goal is to ensure that the rest of the Odwira festivities proceed peacefully.”
He added that increased security presence had been deployed across Akuapem South and surrounding areas to prevent any reprisal attacks.
Traditional leaders and local government officials have condemned the violence and appealed to residents to remain calm while investigations continue.
A spokesperson for the Akuapem Traditional Council described the incident as “regrettable and uncharacteristic of Odwira’s spirit,” adding that efforts are underway to mediate between the rival factions.
“The Odwira Festival should be a time of reconciliation, not rivalry. We urge all parties to respect tradition and allow the police to complete their work,” the spokesperson said.
The Ahwerease shooting has renewed national conversations about festival security, chieftaincy conflicts, and unregulated access to firearms in Ghana.
According to the Small Arms Commission, an estimated 2.3 million firearms are in circulation in Ghana, with nearly half believed to be unregistered. Analysts say this widespread availability of weapons increases the risk of violent outbreaks during community gatherings.
Human rights groups and security experts have called for stricter enforcement of the Arms and Ammunition Act, as well as better coordination between traditional councils, local assemblies, and security agencies before major festivals.
Background: Odwira in Context
Celebrated primarily among the Akwapim, Akyem, and Akwamu people, Odwira is rooted in ancient Akan traditions of purification and renewal. It is typically marked by symbolic rituals of cleansing, thanksgiving, and reaffirmation of communal unity.
Beyond its spiritual importance, the festival also serves as a major cultural and tourism event, attracting visitors from across Ghana and abroad. The Ghana Tourism Authority estimates that festivals like Odwira contribute significantly to domestic tourism, generating millions of cedis in local economic activity each year.
However, when disputes erupt, they not only threaten public safety but also undermine the cultural and economic potential of such events.
As investigations continue, police have urged witnesses to assist by providing information that could help identify those directly responsible for the gunfire.
Authorities have also hinted at potential court prosecutions once evidence collection is completed. The Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) is expected to meet in the coming days to review security arrangements for ongoing and upcoming Odwira celebrations in nearby towns.
While this year’s Odwira Festival was meant to celebrate unity and tradition, the tragic events at Ahwerease have become a reminder of the urgent need for dialogue, restraint, and reform within traditional institutions.
As Ghana continues to celebrate its cultural diversity, ensuring peace at such gatherings will be vital to preserving their heritage and social harmony.
