Two Dead, 13 Injured After Gunfire At Nchiraa Yam Festival

Story By: Zainab Ali

An annual Yam Festival celebration at Nchiraa in the Wenchi Municipality of the Bono Region has turned deadly after disturbances involving gunfire left two people dead and 13 others injured, including a police officer.

According to the Bono Regional Police Command, the incident happened at about 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, shortly after the festival programme had ended.

Police said the disturbances began as the Nchiraahene, Nana Tabiri Yaw II, and his sub-chiefs were being escorted to the palace. A gunshot was reportedly heard during the procession, triggering the subsequent disturbances.

Two people died in the incident, while 13 others sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to the hospital for treatment. The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Wenchi Methodist Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

Police have since intensified patrols in the community and said efforts are underway to identify and arrest those responsible. Authorities have also assured residents that calm has been restored in the area.

The incident has cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a major cultural celebration, with investigations continuing into what triggered the violence.