The Accra Regional Police Command has issued a firm warning against the use of live ammunition at the celebration of this year’s Homowo festival.
The directive follows the official lifting of the ban on drumming and noise-making on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Gbeshe Blohum and Abola within the Ga State.
While the annual tradition includes the firing of musketry as part of the Homowo festivities, the Police say recent years have seen a concerning trend, particularly among the youth, who are resorting to firing live rounds instead of using blank cartridges or gunpowder.
The authorities stress that this poses a serious threat to public safety and therefore warn against the practice.
“The Police, in collaboration with the Gbeshe Mantse, are cautioning all celebrants to strictly refrain from the use of live ammunition during this year’s ceremony. Any individual found engaging in such acts will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” said Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Region in a statement.
The Command disclosed that it is working closely with the Gbeshe Mantse and other traditional authorities to ensure that this year’s celebration is peaceful and incident-free.
The Accra Regional Police Command encourages the public to comply with all safety directives, cooperate with Police personnel deployed for the event, and report any unlawful activities to the Police.
The Command “extend its best wishes to the people of the Ga State as they mark this significant cultural occasion.”
