Osu Homowo violence perpetrators to appear before court

Accra, Aug. 23, GNA - Five persons arrested on Tuesday during a violent clash that marred the celebration of Homowo festival by the people of Osu are to be put before court on Thursday. The five, Nii Tettefio, a 29 year old driver; Ishmael Quaye, 23, student; Nii Abea Tackie, 25, tailor; Kwame Ayittey, 35, and Nii Kwaku Ansah, 20, both fishermen are to appear before court for rioting and damaging property.

Mr James Annor, Osu Police District Commander, told the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday that statements of victims would be taken today to complete dockets for court action.

He explained that, once they were caught during the riot they would have to be put before court as soon as possible. ASP Annor said victims, who suffered various degrees of injuries started calling at the station late Tuesday evening to make their statements.

During the Tuesday's incident, Nii Nortey Owuo III, Chief of Osu, had to be whisked away to prevent being harmed by the irate mob while leading a retinue of his elders to sprinkle "Kpoikpoi" (traditional meal) as part of this year's Homowo festival.

A number of revelers got injured when they had to run helter-skelter for dear life marring the symbolic sprinkling of "Kpokpoi" to mark the beginning of the Homowo (hooting at hunger) at Osu.

The mob numbering about 15 and wielding broken bottles, knives, pestles and other offensive weapons inflicted a deep cut on the head of a 16-year old girl, who was walking along with the Chief. Calm was later restored when the Police arrived and started arresting some of the rioters amidst the firing of gunshots into the air.