The High Court in Accra has prohibited the people of Teshie from organising non-traditional outdoor or public events related to the Homowo Festival.
The restraining order was procured by the Ghana Police Service after the sprinkling of kpoikpoi was marred by violent clashes which led to the death of two people and the injury of several celebrants.
The deceased were identified as Patrick Marmah Martey, 27, Christopher Osekre Adjetey 29, and Eddie Blessing (age not disclosed).
“It is hereby ordered that all outdoor events or public events in relation to the Teshie Homowo Festival which are not traditional rites which will compromise public defense, public order, public safety and public health are hereby restrained from taking place tomorrow Saturday and the next day Sunday, the 30th and 31 August, 2025 respectively,” the order stated.
The court order has been served to the Teshie Traditional Council, the Council of Elders and the heads of the Gbugblah, Agbawoe, Krobo, Kle and Lenshie clans, who have been listed as respondents.
Police deployment
Since Saturday, the police have deployed 350 personnel to Teshie to ensure compliance with the court’s directives.
The Teshie District Commander, Chief Superintendent of Police Vincent Adotey, told the Daily Graphic yesterday that the injunction was necessitated by a series of violent clashes, which have resulted in multiple deaths and injuries since the festival began last month.
Cancelled events
One of the major activities, known as the Harvest — a football gala held between Teshie and neighboring towns as a symbol of unity — was cancelled. The event, scheduled to take place at Salem Park last Saturday, was called off following the injunction.
By Friday, when news broke that the police had secured a court order against the festival, several other events were also cancelled.
Among them was the annual singing competition organised by the Peniel Presbyterian Church, which brings together clans to perform songs composed using biblical scriptures.
The competition, initiated by the church, is aimed at drawing people closer to God during the festival period. Following the cancellation, organisers redirected food items, drinks, and other prizes prepared for the winners to local orphanages.
