Ato Kyinam, a man in his early 30s, was shot and killed by an unidentified gunman in Mankessim on Friday afternoon.
The incident unfolded as the community was gearing up for the Odambea Festival, a significant cultural event for the Nkusukum Traditional Area.
The festival, which spans 20 communities—including Biriwa, Anomabo, Kromantsir, and Saltpond—has Yamoransa as its focal point. Despite its importance, ongoing chieftaincy disputes have hindered full celebrations for years, creating divisions among the people.
Earlier this year, in July, a fresh effort was made to revive the festival by Okogyeman Okese Essandoh IX, Omanhen of Nkusukum Traditional Area, who spearheaded a re-launch in Yamoransa.
A five-member planning team was put together to organize the 50th-anniversary celebrations scheduled for next year, and a new logo, featuring an eagle symbolizing the historic journey of the Nkusukum people from Tekyiman to their present-day settlement, was introduced.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fatal shooting took place during a ritual procession with a ceremonial bull in the Mankessim township. Tensions flared when a faction involved in the ongoing chieftaincy dispute blocked part of the procession route, triggering a confrontation that soon spiraled into violence. The confrontation culminated in the tragic shooting of Kyinam.
Local police were present at the scene but did not provide any statements when approached by the media.