Four remanded over Worawora festival violence as chieftaincy tensions escalate in Oti Region

A Dambai Circuit Court has remanded four men to police custody following violent disturbances at Dwabrem-Worawora in the Oti Region, linked to an escalating chieftaincy dispute over the staging of a major traditional festival.

The accused—Kwame Aboagye Ahenkora (55), Prince Asante (27), Daniel Wiafe (20) and Kwabena Nsimbo (22)—are alleged to have been involved in the incidents that unfolded on October 24, 2026. Police say the disturbances included the burning of vehicle tyres and other violent acts. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police John Nchor, the Public Affairs Officer of the Oti Regional Police Command, the four are expected to reappear before court on November 17, 2026.

What triggered the violence

The unrest erupted as tensions mounted over commencement of rites for the Akwantutenten Festival. DSP Nchor explained that the violence allegedly followed claims that a High Court injunction had been obtained to prevent the celebration from taking place. Police personnel were deployed to the scene, where they extinguished fires and restored order.

The incident underscores the deepening friction between disputing families in the community over festival arrangements, reflecting broader chieftaincy tensions that have simmered in the area.

Regional authorities call for restraint and legal resolution

In response to the disturbances, the Oti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) convened a meeting with representatives from the feuding families on October 26. The Council issued clear directives: all parties must pursue their grievances through lawful channels—specifically the courts and the Houses of Chiefs—rather than resorting to street violence.

REGSEC stressed that the chieftaincy dispute must be resolved through established legal and traditional frameworks, and instructed that all persons arrested in connection with the disturbances be processed according to law. The Oti Regional Police Command has appealed to all parties to maintain calm, exercise restraint and respect lawful processes to preserve peace and security in Worawora.

Why it matters for Ghana

This incident highlights a recurring challenge across Ghana's regions: the intersection of chieftaincy disputes and public order. When customary authority disagreements spill into violence—particularly over high-profile festivals—they risk destabilising communities and undermining the rule of law. The involvement of REGSEC demonstrates how security and traditional leadership bodies must coordinate to contain such tensions.

Worawora's situation also reflects the broader need for Ghana's judicial and chieftaincy institutions to expedite resolution of land and succession disputes before they trigger public disorder. The remand of the four suspects and the call for legal redress signal that authorities are committed to holding perpetrators accountable whilst urging stakeholders to pursue grievances through proper channels. How swiftly the courts and Houses of Chiefs can resolve the underlying chieftaincy matter will be critical to preventing further escalation and restoring community cohesion in the Oti Region.