Young Man Shot Dead as Gunfire Erupts at Mankessim’s Odambea Festival
Chieftaincy Clash Turns Deadly
- A young man in his 30s, was shot dead during festival rituals in Mankessim
- The violence erupted amidst ongoing chieftaincy conflicts
- Eyewitnesses reported that police were on-site but did not provide information following the incident
A young man named Ato Kyinam, reportedly in his early 30s, was tragically gunned down by an unidentified shooter on Friday afternoon in Mankessim.
The shooting occurred during rituals marking the start of the Odambea Festival for the Nkusukum Traditional Area.
This vibrant festival spans 20 communities, including Biriwa, Anomabo, Kromantsir, and Saltpond, with Yamoransa serving as its central hub. Unfortunately, ongoing chieftaincy conflicts have overshadowed the celebrations, which have not been fully observed in recent years.
Earlier in July, the Chiefs and residents of Yamoransa, led by Okogyeman Okese Essandoh IX, Omanhen of the Nkusukum Traditional Area, revitalized the festival at Yamoransa, appointing a five-member committee to plan next year’s 50th anniversary.
They also introduced a special logo featuring an Eagle, symbolizing the journey of the Nkusukum people from Tekyiman to their current home.
Eyewitnesses reported that during the procession through Mankessim with a bull for the festival rituals, a faction involved in the chieftaincy disputes blocked parts of the road, igniting a conflict that escalated into violence and led to the fatal shooting.
Although police were present at the scene, they remained uncommunicative.
