A tragic incident occurred during the Yam Festival celebration at Nchiraa in the Wenchi Municipality of Ghana's Bono Region, leaving two people dead and 14 others injured. The incident took place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, after the festival celebration had ended. According to the Bono Regional Police Command, disturbances started at about 5:30 p.m. when Nana Tabiri Yaw II and his sub-chiefs were being escorted to his palace.
The police reported that a gunshot was heard during the escort, leading to disturbances at the four junction. The Bono Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, issued a statement on Monday, October 5, confirming the incident. He stated that two people died in the incident, while 13 others, including a police officer, sustained gunshot wounds and were receiving treatment.
The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Wenchi Methodist Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy. The Wenchi Divisional Police Command has since restored calm in the area and intensified patrols in Nchiraa. The police are working to arrest all persons found to have been involved in the disturbances.
The Bono Regional Police Command has assured residents that it will continue to take steps to maintain peace and security in the area. The police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation. The community is currently on edge, trying to make sense of the senseless violence that occurred during a celebration meant to bring people together.
The Yam Festival is an important cultural event in the region, and the incident has left many residents in shock. The police have increased their presence in the area to prevent any further incidents and to ensure that the community remains safe. The authorities are also working to identify the individuals responsible for the gunfire and to bring them to justice.
The incident has raised concerns about the level of violence in the region and the need for increased security measures. The police are working to address these concerns and to ensure that the community remains safe. The government has also been urged to take steps to address the underlying causes of the violence and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The two deceased individuals have been identified, and their families have been informed of the incident. The police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the gunfire and are working to determine the motive behind the violence. The community is coming together to support the families of the victims and to promote peace and unity in the area.
Key points
- Two people died and 14 others were injured in the gunfire during the Yam Festival celebration at Nchiraa.
