Teshie Obediben Mantse, Nii Martey Dzata Obrempong I, broke down in tears during a press briefing over the incident on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, following violent clashes that claimed the lives of two individuals during the performance of a key ritual at the Homowo, the Kpokpoi sprinkling ceremony in the Teshie Traditional Area.

A video shared on X by EDhub on Thursday, August 28, 2025, captured the visibly distraught chief struggling to contain his emotions as he addressed the press over the tragedy that marred the celebrations.

Watch as Ga Mantse leads Homowo Festival celebration with sprinkling of Kpekple, drumming and dancing

The Ledzokuku Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) confirmed that chaos erupted during the traditional kpokpoi sprinkling ceremony in the Teshie Traditional Area.

What began peacefully at dawn with youth engaging in jogging, singing, and dancing quickly turned violent after rival groups clashed, pelting stones and exchanging sporadic gunfire.

Homowo celebration turns bloody as two killed, several injured in violent clash

The violence resulted in the deaths of 30-year-old Eddy Blessing and 27-year-old Patrick Maamah Martey Fio, who were pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

Another individual remains in critical condition, while several others are still receiving treatment for injuries.

Police confirmed that the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the mortuary as investigations continue.

Security has since been reinforced, with police and military personnel deployed to maintain order and prevent further disturbances.

The Teshie Divisional Police Command has assured residents that efforts are underway to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Community leaders have meanwhile condemned the violence, expressing worry over its recurrence during the Homowo celebrations at Teshie in Accra.

They urged the youth to focus on safeguarding the cultural heritage of the festival rather than resorting to confrontations.

The Homowo festival which is celebrated annually by the Ga people, literally means “hooting at hunger”.

It has long been seen as a ritual festival, rooted in memory of famine, prayers for rain, and thanksgiving for harvest.

Watch the video below:

Teshie Obediben Mantse, Nii Martey Dzata Obrempong I, broke down in tears during a press briefing over the deaths of two of his subjects in a violent clash that occurred during the sprinkling of Kpokpoi at the Teshie Homowo Festival. pic.twitter.com/2nwJr0lMr0

— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) August 28, 2025