A violent clash during the Odwira Festival in Ahwerease, located in the Akuapem South Municipality of Ghana’s Eastern Region, has left one person dead and four others injured with gunshot wounds.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, during the traditional celebration.
According to police reports, 34 suspects have been arrested and are currently in custody at Aburi, assisting with investigations. Law enforcement officers also retrieved a pump-action gun and a pistol from the crime scene.
Police said the violence erupted when the Abokomahene of the Asona Family, Nana Semenhyia Asakrofa, performed traditional rites to lift the ban on drumming and noise-making, officially marking the start of the Ahwerease Odwira Festival.
However, a dispute reportedly broke out between the Abokomahene and the Abimuhene of Ahwerease over who had the right to perform the ritual.
The disagreement escalated quickly, leading to gunfire by some youth, leaving four people injured—one of whom was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The Eastern Regional Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Superintendent Ebenezer Tetteh, confirmed the tragic incident in an interview with Citi News.
He said the recovered weapons would form part of the ongoing police investigation into the festival shooting.
Superintendent Tetteh assured the public that the Ghana Police Service remains committed to maintaining peace and security throughout and after this year’s Odwira Festival in Ahwerease.
He warned that anyone found guilty of involvement in the violence will face the full rigours of the law, serving as a deterrent to future disturbances.
