A peaceful child naming ceremony in Gbawe Zero, Greater Accra, turned violent on June 20, 2025, when unknown gunmen opened fire, fatally wounding Queenmother Pearl Naa Dodoowa Whitaker (33), also known as Naa Agyinafo I, during a lull in the event. A second woman was injured and taken to University of Ghana Hospital .
Victim Profile & Ceremony Details
- The late queenmother—a mother of two—had been enstooled around three months earlier and was awaiting formal coronation. Her stool name was linked to Papaase along the Accra–Nsawam Road.
- According to ACP Kofi Sarpong of Odorkor Division, the shooting occurred around 7 p.m., after most ceremony guests had left; the chief who hosted the event reported the incident to the police.
Eyewitness Account
A friend, Mary Hammond, recalled the chaos:
“She then took her phone and started fidgeting with it, only to hear a series of gunshots… By the time I realised she was sprawling on the ground.”
Hammond added she didn’t see the direction of the shots, noting there had been traditional musket firing earlier in the ceremony.
Investigation & Response
- The hosting chief, Nii Ayi Solomon, is currently assisting police with their probe.
- Police confirmed that investigations are active, locating additional witnesses and tracing leads to the shooter(s) .
Why It Matters
| Concern | Implication |
|---|---|
| Community Safety | Highlights growing concerns about gun violence at social gatherings |
| Traditional Leadership | Loss of a young queenmother impacts stool household and local culture |
| Law Enforcement Role | Detectives face pressure to expedite arrests and offer public reassurance |
| Security at Events | Signals a need for better protection protocols at ceremonies |
What’s Next
- Forensic Follow-Up – Ballistics testing and suspect identification are underway.
- Protective Measures – Security enforcement at naming rites and stools may be reviewed.
- Public Outreach – Authorities are urging witnesses to come forward.
- Family & Community Healing – RCA and chieftaincy authorities will guide interim arrangements.
Final Take
The shooting at a Gbawe naming ceremony marks a tragic intersection between tradition and violence, claiming the life of a young queenmother and straining community trust. As police pursue the assailants, this episode casts a spotlight on cultural event safety, leadership protection, and communal healing.
About the author
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