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On Friday afternoon, tragedy struck the town of Mankessim as Ato Kyinam, a man in his early 30s, was fatally shot by an unknown gunman.
The incident took place amid preparations for the Odambea Festival, a cherished cultural celebration for the Nkusukum Traditional Area. Spanning 20 communities, including Biriwa, Anomabo, Kromantsir, and Saltpond, the festival centers in Yamoransa. However, longstanding chieftaincy disputes have disrupted the event for years, sowing divisions within the community.
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In an attempt to revive the festival, Okogyeman Okese Essandoh IX, Omanhen of the Nkusukum Traditional Area, organized a re-launch in July, appointing a five-member committee to oversee the 50th-anniversary celebration next year. A new logo, featuring an eagle to symbolize the historic journey of the Nkusukum people from Tekyiman to their present-day home, was also introduced.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the fatal shooting occurred during a ritual procession involving a ceremonial bull in Mankessim. Tensions reportedly heightened when a faction associated with the chieftaincy dispute obstructed part of the procession, inciting a confrontation that escalated into violence, tragically ending with Kyinam’s death.
Although police were on the scene, they declined to provide statements when approached by the media. This incident has underscored the deep-rooted tensions within the community, complicating efforts to celebrate their cultural heritage.
