The Akuapem Awhirase Traditional Council addressing the press
Correspondence from Eastern Region
The Akuapem Awhirase Traditional Council has assured the public that the recent violent clash involving members of the Akuapem Awhirase Asona Royal Family will not disrupt or negatively impact the celebration of this year’s Odwira Festival.
In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Akuapem Awhiraseman Council, the chiefs and elders expressed regret over the unfortunate incident that occurred on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, which led to the death of one person and injuries to several others.
The Asekyere family of Akuapem Awhirase particularly apologized to the affected families and the community, describing the event as both “unfortunate and disappointing.”
The elders commended the Ghana Police Service for its swift intervention, which helped restore calm to the area.
They further assured their full cooperation with the police in ongoing investigations and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and unity in the community before, during, and after the Odwira Festival.
“We remain dedicated to ensuring a peaceful and successful Odwira Festival despite the recent misunderstanding within the Awhirase Asona Royal Family,” the statement read.
According to the Eastern Regional Police Command, the clash erupted during traditional rituals performed by the Akuapem Awhirase Asona Royal Family to lift the ban on drumming and noise-making ahead of the Odwira Festival.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a disagreement broke out between the Abakomahene Nana Semenhyia Akrofa and the Benkumhene of the Awhirase Asona Royal Family over who had the legitimate authority to perform the rites.
The argument quickly escalated into a violent confrontation between supporters of both chiefs, who reportedly threw stones and wielded clubs, machetes, and firearms.
In the ensuing melee, four individuals were struck by stray bullets, while several others sustained injuries. One person later died from gunshot wounds.
Police Action and Ongoing Investigations
The Eastern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ebenezer Tetteh, confirmed that police reinforcement teams were deployed to Akuapem Awhirase to restore order.
He disclosed that 34 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, and two firearms — a pistol and a pump-action gun — have been retrieved from them.
“All suspects are currently in custody assisting police with investigations,” DSP Tetteh stated.
Further reports indicate that the Abakomahene, Nana Semenhyia Akrofa also identified as Kwasi Okobeng, together with the Abusuapanin of the Asona Family, allegedly destooled the Krontihene, the Asona Queen Mother, and the Benkumhene — a decision authorities say was beyond their traditional powers as sub-chiefs.
Traditional leaders have described the purported destoolment as unauthorized, emphasizing that only higher traditional authorities hold the power to perform such actions.
Despite the tensions, the Akuapem Awhenease Traditional Council insists that the Odwira Festival will proceed peacefully, and all necessary security arrangements have been made to ensure safety for residents and visitors alike.
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