Prosecute perpetrators of violence in Teshie - Traditional Council appeals to govt
The Teshie Traditional Council in the Greater Accra Region has appealed to the government to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution of those behind last week's clashes which resulted in the death of three persons and injuries to many during the traditional sprinkling of kpokpoi.
The council said the recurring clashes during the Teshie Homowo Festival did not only tarnish the image of the town, but also undermined the cultural attraction and economic potential of the festival.
Condemnation
At a press conference yesterday, the Paramount Chief of Teshie, Gbetsorlor Nii Ashitey Akomfra III, condemned the “senseless killings” and said the perpetrators must be brought to justice to serve as a deterrent to others.
In attendance were the Teshie Dzaasetse, Nii Ashikwei Kwaobotwe II; Shikiteeley, Nii Adjetey Okpye III; Pantang Mantse, Nii Kotey Afutu Brempong III; Atofotse, Shibulor Nii Martey Sanshie IV, and Otsaame, Nii Akpor Sowah.
"We hereby condemn in no uncertain terms the institutionalisation of guns, cutlasses, cudgels, stones and other offensive weapons in Teshie Homowo culture and tradition in recent times.
"We also condemn the senseless killing of innocent citizens in cold blood during the Kpokpoi sprinkling episode in Teshie."
"We further demand that security agencies take up the matter a as high-profile homicide case in order to bring the culprits to book without any fear or favour," Gbetsorlor Akomfra said.
Alert
The chief claimed that the traditional council had earlier alerted security agencies of potential attack days before the event, and were assured of adequate protection.
Despite the assurance, he said, gunshots and violence erupted at the palace during the feast, leading to the deaths and injuries.
Gbetsorlor Akomfra refuted allegations that he orchestrated the attack, calling such claims absurd and illogical.
"I am also sure that every citizen in his right-thinking senses will dismiss the accusation that in my capacity as Teshie Paramount Chief, I had the shameless effrontery to master-mind an attack on my own subjects, stage-manage the shooting of my personal dish-carrier and also cause my loyalists to fire live bullets into my palace to endanger the lives of my special guests,” he said.
The chief explained that traditionally, the Teshie Homowo festival was a joyful celebration marked with an all-white attire, symbolising peace and purity in honour of the patron deity, Tettey Laakpa.
He said wearing red, which symbolises war and danger, was considered a taboo during the festival across some Ga communities.
However, the tradition was violated when a group he described as militants dressed in red, escorted by "Okada" riders with red headbands who entered the palace on the day of the Kpokpoi-shwamo to cause the disturbances.
"I wish to render my unqualified apology to the Chiefs and people of Aflao-Teshie, Lome, special invited guests and the media for the traumatic experience caused them by the mayhem," Gbetsorlor Akomfra said.
Unity
The Teshie Mantse called on the people to unite in the face of the tragedy.
He urged the community to help identify and bring the perpetrators to justice without bias.
"We appeal to all Teshimei to let the pain of this tragic murders be a social glue that will bind us together as one people with a common destiny," he said.
The traditional council announced plans to establish an endowment fund to support the families of the deceased, including funding the education of their children.
For his part, Dzaasetse Nii Ashikwei Kwaobotwe II, added that arrangements would be made with the families to bury the deceased after the conclusion of the festival on Saturday.
