The Chief of Akyem Anamase in the Achiase District of the Eastern Region, Odeefuo Akwasi Awuah III, has called on residents to unite and work together for the development of the community, one year after a violent incident disrupted the installation of the town’s traditional leaders.
His appeal came during a remembrance durbar organized by the chiefs and people of Akyem Anamase on March 6 to commemorate what has since been referred to as “Bloody Thursday.”
The event, held under the theme: “Healing and Harmony: Anamase Bloody Thursday—Never Again,” brought together chiefs, elders, victims and residents to reflect on the tragic incident, honour those affected and promote reconciliation within the community.
The remembrance ceremony took place at the Owoahene Adwoa Kwakyewaa Royal House in Akyem Anamase and attracted people from various walks of life.
The Incident
The violent incident occurred on March 6, 2025, during a ceremony to install a new chief and queen mother for the farming community where unidentified gunmen reportedly opened fire on participants at the durbar grounds shortly before dignitaries were expected to arrive.
The attack left several people injured and caused extensive damage to property prepared for the event.
Among those injured was Madam Akua Effah, who was scheduled to be installed as queen mother under the stool name Nana Abena Anin-Agyaa II.
She sustained serious injuries alongside ten others when the attackers, reportedly dressed in black T-shirts, allegedly fired shots into the gathering.
Other victims included Opanin Kwame Amo, Abusuabaatan of the Anamase Oyoko Royal Family; Nana Atta Debrah, Abusuapanin of the Akyem Bosome Traditional Area; Nimako Richard; Kwabena Ahenkorah; Akwasi Owusu; Alfred Boamah; DJ Paste; Kofi Boadi; Teacher Azuku and Elvis Amportey.
Except for Madam Akua Effah, who was admitted at the Akyem Oda Government Hospital at the time, the other victims were treated and discharged the same day.The attackers also vandalized property set up for the ceremony, including chairs, tables, canopies and public address systems mounted at the residences of Ohenemaa Nana Abena Anin-Agyaa and Opanin John Botwe.
In addition, a Mitsubishi L250 pickup with registration number GC 846-22 sustained damage after several bullets were fired at the vehicle, shattering its windscreen and denting parts of its body.
Despite the shocking attack, the community proceeded with the installation of the chief, Odeefuo Akwasi Awuah III, known in private life as Odehyie Yaw Badu-Mensah, a law student at the University of Ghana and a maritime consultant at the Tema Port.
Call for Unity
Addressing the durbar, Odeefuo Akwasi Awuah III urged residents to put aside their differences and work together to promote peace and development in the community.
“This incident is a setback, but it should not define us. We must stand together and work towards the betterment of our community,” he said.
“Fighting among ourselves will only hinder progress. It is time for us to put our differences aside and unite for the growth and prosperity of Akyem Anamase,” he added.
The chief emphasised that unity among residents would enable the community to focus on key development priorities such as infrastructure, education and healthcare.
Appeals for Peace
Some of the victims who spoke to the The Chronicle on the sidelines of the event expressed gratitude to God for sparing their lives.
Abusuapanin Nana Atta Debrah also condemned the attack and urged residents, particularly the youth, to avoid acts of retaliation.
“It is unfortunate that such a peaceful occasion turned into violence. However, I urge our youth not to seek revenge. Instead, let us allow the law enforcement authorities to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he advised.
Community Response
Residents who spoke to the paper on condition of anonymity praised the chief’s call for unity, describing it as an important step towards restoring peace and rebuilding the social fabric of the community.
According to them, the leadership shown by Nana Akwasi Awuah III during this challenging period could help heal the community and steer it toward a more united and development-focused future.
“His call for unity gives hope that the community can come together in the face of adversity. The violence, though traumatic, could serve as a turning point where old divisions are set aside in favour of collective healing,” one resident said.
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The post Akyem Anamase Chief Calls For Unity appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.
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