The Tema Regional Police Command has appealed to residents to celebrate this year’s Homowo Festival peacefully and refrain from acts that could disrupt public order.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Eric Asamoah Asiedu, Tema Regional Police Commander, said the festival period would witness traditional rulers, priests and priestesses performing customary rites before, during and after the celebrations, including the sprinkling of kpokpoi, the traditional Homowo meal.

DCOP Asiedu noted that disputes over who had the authority to perform the sprinkling of kpokpoi had, in previous years, led to confrontations, violence and breaches of the peace.

He, therefore, urged residents to celebrate the festival in an atmosphere of peace, unity and mutual respect while adhering to the laws of the country.

The Regional Commander cautioned celebrants against engaging in violence, unnecessary confrontations, disorderly conduct and other acts capable of endangering public safety.

He assured the public that the Police would provide adequate security throughout the festival period and deal decisively with individuals who engaged in criminal activities under the guise of the celebrations.

DCOP Asiedu also expressed concern over growing tensions arising from chieftaincy disputes in some traditional areas.

He urged all factions, supporters and interested parties to avoid acts of provocation, violence, unlawful assembly and the use of vigilante groups.

The Regional Commander said chieftaincy disputes should be resolved through the appropriate legal and traditional mechanisms, warning that anyone whose actions threatened public peace would be arrested and prosecuted.

DCOP Asiedu further warned armed robbers, drug traffickers and other criminal elements operating within the Tema region that the Police had intensified intelligence gathering, patrols and collaboration with other security agencies to combat crime.

He stressed that there would be no safe haven for criminals in the region and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.