A 52-year-old man, Kwesi Mekyeawo, was shot and killed by Gyasi hene Nana Beeyin II, also known as Ato Kyenam, the Gyasehen of Old Nkusukum in Mankessim on Friday, October 25.
The incident occurred during preparations for the Nkusukum Odambea Festival, specifically when Nkusukum Chiefs were about to slaughter a cow as part of the festival rituals.
The Odambea Festival is an annual celebration by the chiefs and people of Nkusukum Traditional Area in Saltpond, commemorating their migration from Techiman.
Unfortunately, this year’s event turned violent due to a dispute over the traditional sacrifice.
Festival Background
The Odambea Festival typically features a re-enactment of the ancient lifestyles of the Nkusukum people, durbar of chiefs, traditional clothes, dancing, and drumming.
It is a time for the community to come together and celebrate their heritage.
Incident Details
According to eyewitnesses, Kwesi Mekyeawo was among the supporters of the distooled Obaatan, Nana Beenyin III, who had planned to disrupt the event.
The family of the distooled chief had filed a court injunction to stop the Paramount Chief from performing the ritual on their royal family house premises, as the matter is pending in court.
Gyasi hene Nana Beeyin II has reported himself to the Mankessim Divisional Police Command to assist with investigations.
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