Violence at Oyarifa Homowo Festival Results in Multiple Injuries; Suspects Arrested Amid Ongoing Police Investigation

Oyarifa, Ghana — A violent incident erupted during the Homowo festival in Oyarifa on Saturday, leading to multiple injuries as a group of men, wielding machetes, attacked festival-goers. Authorities have reported that four of the assailants have been identified, with three currently in custody.

The attackers, allegedly led by Latif Bako, along with accomplices Stephen Owusu, Ebenezer Ewuzie, and Ebenezer Adjei, disrupted the festive celebrations, causing panic and chaos among attendees. The police report notes that machete wounds were inflicted on several individuals, including one of the suspects, Ebenezer Adjei. All injured parties, including Adjei, are now receiving medical treatment.

In response to the attack, law enforcement swiftly detained Owusu, Bako, and Ewuzie, and are now actively searching for the remaining suspects who are believed to have fled the scene. The police have emphasized their commitment to apprehending all individuals involved to face legal proceedings.

In light of recent unrest, the Ghana Police Service has reiterated its stance on maintaining public peace, announcing that any disruptive acts will be met with strict legal action to preserve civil order.

Meanwhile, a separate security threat has escalated concerns, following a viral social media video featuring a man, known only as “Kanawu,” threatening violence against public officials. In his video declaration, Kanawu explicitly threatened to use firearms against officials and anyone obstructing his agenda. This alarming declaration has spurred a national manhunt.

To facilitate Kanawu’s capture, the police have announced a substantial reward of Fifty Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢50,000.00). They urge anyone with credible information regarding his whereabouts to come forward, stressing the urgency due to the grave threats posed by his pronouncements.

The recent wave of criminality has prompted calls for heightened community cooperation with law enforcement agencies to ensure rapid apprehension of suspects and prevention of further violence. The police have vowed to intensify efforts to maintain safety and order, thereby reinforcing their dedication to the rule of law and public security in Ghana.