Two dead, 14 injured in Nchiraa Yam Festival disturbances

Two people have died and 14 others, including a police officer, sustained gunshot wounds following disturbances during the Yam Festival celebration at Nchiraa in the Wenchi Municipality of the Bono Region.

The Wenchi Divisional Police Command said it has since restored calm in the community and intensified patrols to prevent further disturbances.

According to a police statement issued by the Bono Regional Police Command on October 5, the incident occurred on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at about 5:30 p.m., after the Yam Festival programme had ended.

Preliminary investigations indicate that trouble broke out as Nana Tabiri Yaw II and his sub-chiefs were being escorted to the chief’s palace. A gunshot was reportedly heard during the escort, after which disturbances erupted at four junctions in the area.

The police said two people died while several others sustained gunshot wounds. The injured, including a police officer, are receiving medical treatment.

The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Wenchi Methodist Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

The Bono Regional Police Command said it has intensified patrols in Nchiraa and assured residents that efforts are underway to identify and arrest persons involved in the disturbances.

Police have appealed for calm as investigations into the incident continue.