The Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) is currently meeting to assess and strategize about security situation in the region.
Among the matters to discuss are rising insecurity around this year’s Odwira festival in Akuapem area due to chieftaincy disputes, illegal mining, land dispute menace among other key security issues.
The meeting is being held at the back of latest incident where One person has been shot dead while three others sustained gunshot wounds following a violent attack during rituals to lift the ban on noise-making ahead of this year’s Odwira Festival at Aburi-Ahwerase in the Akuapem South Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The injured victims are receiving treatment at the Presbyterian Hospital in Aburi.
Police have since arrested 34 young men allegedly involved in the deadly violence and retrieved two weapons — a pump-action gun and a pistol — used in the attack.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 22, 2025, around 11:00 a.m., when Nana Semeshia Ohene Asah Krofa II, Abakomahene of the Asona Family of Ahwerase, attempted to perform the traditional rituals to lift the ban on noise-making to pave the way for the Odwira festivities.
A misunderstanding reportedly broke out between the Abakomahene and the Baamuhene of Ahwerase over who was the rightful person to perform the ritual, leading to chaos.
According to eyewitnesses, the confrontation quickly turned violent as some young men opened fire, injuring four people. One of the victims later died while receiving treatment at the hospital.
The Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Regional Police Command, Superintendent Ebenezer Tetteh, confirmed the incident, stating that all 34 suspects are in custody at the Aburi Police Station assisting with investigations.
“When we conclude our investigations, we are going to ensure that the law takes its course. The persons who have been arrested will be taken through due process to serve as a deterrent to others who may be bent on fomenting trouble during this year’s Odwira festival,” Superintendent Tetteh said.
He added that security in the area has been heightened to prevent any further disturbances before, during, and after the celebration.
“We want to assure everyone that the police will do everything within our power to ensure that residents and visitors go about their activities peacefully and without fear of intimidation or harm,” he emphasized.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kojo Ansah
