Police appeal for calm as court halts Teshie Homowo festivities

The Ghana Police Service has appealed to elders, youth, and residents of Teshie to comply with a court injunction restraining the community from holding any outdoor activities connected to this year’s Homowo Festival.

At a stakeholder meeting with youth groups on Saturday, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Emmanuel Baah, Kpeshie Divisional Commander, emphasized that adherence to the order was crucial to safeguarding peace in the area.

“The chiefs, clan heads, and all interested parties have been served with the restraining order. We urge the youth to obey it in the interest of public peace,” ACP Baah stated.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Obed Dzikunu, Deputy Greater Accra Regional Commander, acknowledged the frustrations of the youth but underscored that the measure was necessary to preserve lives and property.

“We urge the youth to place public peace and safety above all other interests. We will always have the celebrations with us, but we cannot bring back any life that is lost in the process,” DCOP Dzikunu cautioned, warning that anyone who defies the order would be arrested and prosecuted.

The injunction follows violent clashes on August 26 during the sprinkling of Kpokpoi between rival factions of the Gbugblah and Lenshie clans, which left three people dead and several others injured.

In response, the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) initiated consultations with chiefs, elders, and stakeholders to develop safety guidelines for the remaining festival activities. Although initial talks stalled, escalating tensions prompted the police to seek judicial intervention.

The injunction restrains the Teshie Traditional Council, the Council of Elders, and the heads of the Gbugblah, Lenshie, Agbawe, Krobo, and Kle clans from holding any outdoor festivities on August 30 and 31.