The Ghana Police Service has urged the elders and residents of Teshie in Accra to comply with the court order restraining them from holding any form of outdoor event in relation to the Homowo Festival.

At a meeting with the various Youth groups earlier Saturday, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Emmanuel Baah, the Kpeshie Divisional Commander, admonished residents to

Obey the restraining order in the interest of public peace.

Addressing the agitating youth, ACP Baah said the decision was arrived at following various engagements by the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) with the Chiefs and Elders, and relevant stakeholders, that securing an injunction against the celebration was in the best interest of the community.

He explained that the Chief, Clan heads, and all interested parties had been served with a copy of the restraining order and urged the youth groups to obey it.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Obed Dzikunu, the Deputy Greater Accra Regional Commander, who sympathised with the youth, said while the police did not predetermine the injunction of the celebration, it had become necessary to do so to preserve lives and property.

“We urge the youth to place the public peace and safety above all other interests,” he said.

“We will always have the celebrations with us, but we cannot bring back any life that is lost in the process.”

“While it is important to celebrate festivals, it is paramount that we take measures to preserve the public peace and safety.”

DCOP Dzikunu warned that the police would arrest and prosecute anyone found violating the directives.

On Wednesday, August 26, violent clashes broke out during the sprinkling of the traditional Kpokpoi between the Gbugblah and Lenshie clans, leading to the death of three persons, including a child.

To address the issue, the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) engaged all relevant stakeholders to agree on some guidelines for the remaining activities.

The meeting, which recorded some disagreement, was put on a brief hold after which it was agreed that the MUSEC would engage the various factions to arrive at an amicable solution.

However, due to the turn of event, the police secured an injunction against the Teshie Traditional Council and six others, restraining them from holding any form of outdoor events on August 30 and 31.

The six are the Teshie Council of Elders, and the Heads of the Gbugblah, Lenshie, Agbawe, Krobo, and Kle clans.

The court document, sighted by the Ghana News Agency, said: “All outdoor and public events in relation to the Teshie Homowo Festival, which are not traditional rites and will compromise public defence, public order, public safety, and public health are hereby restrained from happening.”