Nchiraa Yam Festival turns bloody as gunfire leaves people dead, 14 injured

The annual Yam Festival at Nchiraa in the Wenchi Municipality of the Bono Region ended in tragedy on Saturday, October 3, 2026, after gunfire during post-festival disturbances left some people dead and 14 others injured, including a police officer.

The incident occurred at about 5:30 p.m., shortly after the festival programme had ended and the Nchiraahene, Nana Tabiri Yaw II, together with his sub-chiefs, was being escorted to the palace.

According to the Bono Regional Police Command, a gunshot was heard during the procession, triggering disturbances at the Four Junction in the community.

In a statement signed by the Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, the Command said preliminary investigations had established that the violence followed the gunshot during the procession.

The injured persons were subsequently rushed to the Wenchi Methodist Hospital, where they were receiving treatment.

The bodies of those who died have been deposited at the mortuary of the same hospital for preservation and autopsy.

The Police Command said calm had since been restored in the community, with patrols intensified to prevent any further disturbances.

Police said efforts were also underway to identify and arrest persons involved in the violence as investigations continue.