REGSEC calls for peaceful Homowo celebrations

Accra, 14 June, GNA - The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) on Thursday asked factions in chieftaincy disputes not to create trouble during the Homowo celebrations.

"The REGSEC warns all such leaders and their followers to desist from carrying out their criminal intentions. They are not to make inflammatory statements, oral or written that may disturb the peace." Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, on the lifting of the ban on drumming and the celebration of the forthcoming Homowo, Sheikh I.C. Quaye, the Greater Accra Regional Minister and Chairman of REGSEC said the Council received information that leaders of some factions in the chieftaincy dispute in the Region intend to use the Homowo celebrations to cause chaos.

He said the Regional Security Council was working on the ground and expected the Ga Traditional Council and the general public to co-operate fully to maintain law and order throughout the celebrations and thereafter.

The Regional Minister also refuted accusations that some government officials and the police were supporting the new Ga Mantse and a faction involved in the Gbese dispute, thereby interfering in chieftaincy matters.

"We have not dabbled in chieftaincy matters, neither have we interfered in chieftaincy matters. However the issue is that as the Regional Minister for the Greater Accra Region, it is my duty to ensure that peace and tranquillity prevailed and also as Chairman of the REGSEC, it is my duty to ensure that there are no conflicts which will disturb the peace and development of the region", he said.

Commenting on the recent clashes between the police and the youth during this year's lifting of the ban on drumming and noise making ceremony (Odadao) in Gbese, Sheikh I.C. Quaye noted that the REGSEC having been briefed that there was looming violence in the Gbese area, invited the warring factions, including the Ga Traditional Council to broker the peace.

He announced that this year's Homowo celebrations would start from Nungua on 7th July, Lante Dzanwe, 18th July, Ga Mashie 11th of August and Osu, La, Teshie, Kpone on the 21st of August.