Tragic violence has erupted in Adome, a suburb of Odumase Krobo in the Eastern Region, as a chieftaincy-related procession ended in tragedy.
One individual was fatally shot, and several others sustained injuries.
The incident has left the community on edge, with an uneasy calm settling in the area.
Eyewitnesses report that one faction involved in the chieftaincy dispute was parading through the streets, carrying a palanquin when they began firing sporadically.
The sudden gunshots drew the attention of bystanders and residents, leading to chaos in the community.
Emmanuel Tetteh Narh, known as Ozibo, was one of the bystanders who fell victim to the shooting. He was fatally shot near his house and later pronounced dead at the St Martin de Porres Catholic Hospital.
His family suspects that he was targeted, as he was close to his home at the time of the shooting.
“I was at the top when one guy rushed in to tell me that my uncle has been shot into the gutter and rushed to the hospital. I sought help from a neighbour to drive me to the hospital. On our way, we stopped by the Police Station close to Lasi to make a case.
She continued: “About six men stopped us and began shooting all over. Bystanders were affected by the gun shots. My friend was asked to come out of his car while a gun was pointed at me too. I told them I had an emergency at the hospital to attend to.”
Jasmine Dede Narh, the niece of the deceased, recounted the terrifying experience, including being caught in the crossfire as she rushed to the hospital.
She also mentioned a woman who identified her as the daughter of the victim and the involvement of armed men in the area.
Although calm has been restored to the community, no arrests have been made yet, and the police have initiated an investigation into the incident.
The Konor of Manya Krobo, Nene Sackite, who also serves as the President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, addressed the recent chieftaincy dispute and emphasized that he does not install chiefs for divisions.
Instead, divisions appoint their own chiefs, who then swear allegiance to the stool. He noted that issues within the divisions are primarily internal and do not affect the paramountcy.
