By Nadia Ntiamoah
Nearly three weeks after a shocking shooting at a naming ceremony in Gbawe claimed the life of a queen mother and injured another, police have arrested a prime suspect believed to be directly involved in the fatal incident.
The deceased, identified as Perl Naa Dodua Bortey-Kaa, a prominent traditional leader in Gbawe, was shot and killed on June 19, 2025, when chaos erupted during what was supposed to be a peaceful cultural event.
The incident sent shockwaves through the Greater Accra Region and raised concerns about rising gun violence during public gatherings.
According to Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Public Affairs Officer for the Accra Regional Police Command, the attack occurred around 7:00 p.m. during a naming ceremony organized by Ibrahim Nii Ayi Quarshi Solomon.
The event was attended by traditional leaders, Asafo groups, and community members, when suddenly, individuals wielding locally manufactured firearms began firing indiscriminately into the crowd.
Initial investigations indicated that the gunmen had no regard for human life or the sanctity of the event, turning a family celebration into a scene of terror and mourning.
Naa Dodua Bortey-Kaa was fatally struck by gunfire, while another guest sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized.
Following weeks of surveillance and intelligence operations, police tracked the key suspect, Gilbert Awuni, also known by the alias “Starboy”, to his hideout in Asokore Mampong in the Ashanti Region.
Officers from a joint task force conducted the raid leading to his successful arrest without incident. Authorities believe Awuni played a central role in orchestrating the attack.
Superintendent Obeng, speaking to the press following the arrest, warned the public that unlawful possession and use of firearms remains a criminal offence under Ghanaian law.
She emphasized that the Police Service is committed to cracking down on gun-related crimes, especially those that target traditional institutions and community leaders.
“This is a warning to all individuals who believe they can take the law into their own hands,” she stated.
“The Ghana Police Service will not relent in its duty to protect lives and uphold law and order.”
The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, though police have not ruled out links to chieftaincy or land disputes, which have historically been flashpoints in the Gbawe and surrounding areas.
Authorities are also pursuing leads that suggest additional suspects may have been involved in the planning and execution of the attack.
The arrest of Awuni has brought a measure of relief to the Gbawe community, but residents and family members of the late queen mother continue to call for full justice.
Community leaders are urging police to move swiftly in prosecuting the case and ensuring that all individuals connected to the murder face the full rigour of the law.
The tragic death of Naa Dodua Bortey-Kaa has left a vacuum in traditional leadership in Gbawe.
Plans for her funeral rites are underway, as local chiefs and family elders prepare to honour her memory in accordance with Ga customs.
Meanwhile, the Accra Regional Police Command has vowed to remain vigilant in its mission to restore safety in the region.
“We are not resting. We will find every last person responsible for this senseless act,” Superintendent Obeng declared.
The case is expected to proceed to court in the coming days, as investigations continue into the wider network that may have enabled the attack.
