The Accra Regional Police have arrested a 21-year-old man linked to the shooting which led to the death of a queenmother during a naming ceremony in Gbawe Zero, a suburb of Accra, on June 19, 2025.
The victim, 33-year-old Pearl Naa Dodoowa Whitaker, also known as Naa Agyinafo I of Papase, was shot at close range and died on the spot.
In the incident, another individual, 38-year-old Priscilla Naa Ayele, suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and is currently being treated at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, where she is reported to be stable.
During a press briefing on July 7, police announced the arrest of the suspect, identified as Gilbert Awuni Alia, aka Starboy, an okada rider from Dentsua.
He was caught in Asokore in the Ashanti Region after fleeing the scene. Authorities say he was part of a group that recklessly fired guns during the ceremony.
The event was hosted by Ibrahim Ni Ayikwashi Solomon, known as Nii Ayi Solomon, who initially alerted the police about the incident.
He has since been taken into custody after admitting to permitting the use of firearms at the gathering, which included various traditional leaders and Asafu group members.
Police investigators believe that the violence may have been sparked by the consumption of Sobo, a local beverage that could have been tainted with narcotics.
According to reports, Starboy confessed to firing a weapon while intoxicated. He claims to have fled with an accomplice known only as Oxygen. The authorities are currently trying to recover the discarded firearm.
Another accomplice has also been apprehended, and law enforcement has seized a locally produced weapon along with spent cartridges and gunpowder as part of their investigation.
The police have condemned the unauthorised use of firearms at public gatherings, asserting that anyone found guilty will face serious legal consequences.
“Possession and discharge of firearms without lawful authority is a serious offence,” the command emphasised.
