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 that are not traditional rites that will compromise public defence, public order, public safety, and public health are hereby restrained from taking place tomorrow, Saturday, and the next day, Sunday, the 30th and 31st of 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.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

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At the heart of this celebration is the paramount chief, Gbɛtsɔɔlɔ Nii Ashitey Akomfra III, who leads a solemn procession through the town, symbolizing the unity and resilience of the community.

As the chief sprinkles ‘Kpokpoi,’ a traditional dish made from corn, palm nut soup, and smoked fish, he is performing a sacred ritual that transcends time.

This act is not merely a festive tradition; it is a profound gesture of respect and remembrance.

The ‘Kpokpoi’ is believed to nourish the spirits of the departed, ensuring that they remain connected to the living. It is also an offering to the gods, a prayer for protection and blessings for the community.

The Teshie Homowo Festival is more than just a celebration; it is a powerful reminder of the unity that binds past, present, and future generations.

Through the sprinkling of ‘Kpokpoi,’ the Ga people reinforce their connection to their ancestors and reaffirm their commitment to the values that have sustained them through the ages.

In this way, the festival serves as a living testament to the enduring strength of tradition and the unbreakable bonds of family and community.

Check out more photos below:

Source: Nelly Koomson