Traditional authorities at Kintampo in the Brong Ahafo region have slaughtered a ram to pacify the gods in the town following a disaster at the waterfalls in the area.

At least 17 people died after a huge tree fell on revelers at the Kintampo Waterfalls in the Brong Ahafo Region Sunday, March 19, 2016.

Scores of others have been left injured in the accident, which occurred between 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm that day.

The victims, largely students of the Wenchi Methodist Senior High School, were on an excursion and swimming in the water when the tumbling tree crushed them to death.

While those who sustained injuries have been treated and discharged, some of those who died have also been laid to rest after government gave the families GH¢10,000 and GH¢20,000 respectively.

However, because the trees and stones which surround the waterfalls are all believed to be deities, the traditional authorities in the area underscored the need for the sacrifice.

They believe it is a way of showing respect to the gods and also to pacify them to avert any future catastrophe.