During the annual Odwira Festival at Ahwerase in the Eastern Region of Ghana, a ritual dispute escalated into violence when gunshots were fired, leaving one person dead and four others injured. 

Incident Details

The incident occurred on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, during the lifting of the traditional ban on drumming and noise-making, a key moment in the Odwira Festival. 

According to police reports, the clash was between two traditional authorities — the Abokomahene of the Asona Family, Nana Semenhyia Asakrofa, and the Abimuhene of Ahwerase — over the right to perform the sacred ritual. 

The conflict escalated when young men allegedly opened fire, injuring four persons with gunshot wounds; one later died and was identified as Isaac Nana Kwasi.

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Law Enforcement Response

The Ghana Police Service confirmed the recovery of weapons — including a pump-action gun and a pistol — from the scene. 

Thirty-four suspects, including six chiefs, were arrested and have been arraigned in court facing charges related to rioting with offensive weapons and causing unlawful harm. 

Police have increased patrols in Ahwerase and surrounding communities to maintain peace through the remainder of the festival. 

Impact and Significance

The Odwira Festival is a culturally significant event for the Akuapem people, centred on purification, thanksgiving, and renewal. 

This year’s celebration, however, was marred by violence, underscoring how disputes over tradition and authority can disrupt communal harmony during sacred cultural rites.

Local authorities and traditional leaders have expressed concern over the incident and reiterated the need for peaceful observance of the festival’s rituals.