Two people have been killed and 14 others injured after disturbances broke out at the end of the Yam Festival celebration at Nchiraa in the Wenchi Municipality of the Bono Region on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
According to the Bono Regional Police Command, 13 of the injured, including a police officer, sustained gunshot wounds and are receiving medical treatment.
The Police disclosed the casualty figures in a press release issued on Monday, October 5, 2026, two days after the incident.
The Command says calm has since returned to Nchiraa and that efforts are underway to arrest anyone involved in the violence.
Nchiraa Yam Festival disturbance started during chief’s procession
Preliminary police investigations indicate that the trouble began at about 5:30 p.m., after the official festival programme had ended.
At the time, the traditional ruler, Nana Tabiri Yaw II, and his sub-chiefs were being escorted back to his palace. Reports say the procession was passing through the Four Junction area of the town.
A gunshot was heard during the procession, triggering the disturbances that left multiple people with injuries, the Police said.
Nchiraa casualties: 2 dead, 13 with gunshot wounds
The Police statement confirmed two deaths. The bodies have been deposited at the Wenchi Methodist Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Thirteen people, among them a police officer who was on duty, suffered gunshot wounds. Media reports put the total number of injured persons at 14.
- Deaths: 2
- Total injured (media reports): 14
- Gunshot wounds (police figure): 13, including one police officer
- Time of incident: About 5:30 p.m., Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Location: Nchiraa, Wenchi Municipality, Bono Region
The Police have not publicly named the deceased or the injured, and no arrests had been announced at the time of writing.
Police response to the Nchiraa Yam Festival violence
Following the incident, the Wenchi Divisional Police Command intensified patrols in Nchiraa and restored calm to the area.
The Bono Regional Police Command assured the public that “efforts are underway to arrest anyone found to have been involved in the disturbances.”
Residents have been urged to remain calm and allow investigations to proceed. Official updates are expected through the Ghana Police Service.
Festival safety under the spotlight again
The Nchiraa incident adds to growing public concern over the use of firearms during traditional festivals and processions in Ghana.
It is not the first time a festival in the Bono Region has turned violent. In a separate case, broadcaster Kofi Adoma Nwanwanni was injured during the Kwafie Festival in Dormaa Ahenkro — read our earlier report on how Kofi Adoma Nwanwanni was shot at the Kwafie Festival.
Such incidents often prompt calls for tighter security planning between traditional authorities and the police ahead of major festive events.
What it means for Nchiraa residents
For residents of Nchiraa and surrounding communities, the immediate impact is grief for the families of the two people who died and concern for those still receiving treatment.
The increased police presence is meant to prevent any further clashes. Residents can expect visible patrols in the town in the coming days as investigations continue.
What happens next
Autopsies are expected to be carried out on the two deceased at the Wenchi Methodist Hospital.
The Police say they are working to identify and arrest those involved. Any suspects picked up are likely to face questioning and possible prosecution once investigations are concluded.
The cause of the gunshot and who fired it have not yet been officially disclosed.
Key details at a glance
- Two people died in disturbances at the Nchiraa Yam Festival on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
- Fourteen people were injured; 13 sustained gunshot wounds, including a police officer.
- The violence began at about 5:30 p.m. as Nana Tabiri Yaw II and his sub-chiefs were escorted to the palace.
- Bodies are at the Wenchi Methodist Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
- Wenchi Divisional Police have intensified patrols and calm has been restored.
- Bono Regional Police say efforts are underway to arrest those involved.
FAQs
What happened at the Nchiraa Yam Festival 2026?
Disturbances broke out on Saturday, October 3, 2026, after a gunshot was heard as the chief and his sub-chiefs were escorted to the palace. Two people died and 14 were injured.
How many people died in the Nchiraa Yam Festival violence?
Two people died, according to the Bono Regional Police Command. Their bodies were deposited at the Wenchi Methodist Hospital mortuary.
Where is Nchiraa in Ghana?
Nchiraa is a community in the Wenchi Municipality of the Bono Region.
The Nchiraa Yam Festival, meant to be a celebration of harvest and tradition, ended in tragedy with two people dead and 14 injured after a gunshot during the chief’s procession. Police say calm has returned and that efforts to arrest those responsible are ongoing, with more details expected as investigations progress.
