The Gbawe Kwatei Family Palace has categorically denied any involvement in the tragic incident that occurred at Gbawe Zero on June 19, 2025, which resulted in the death of one person and left another seriously injured.
In a statement issued in response to media reports and online speculation linking the palace to the crime, the family emphasized that the deceased was not a Queen Mother under their stool. “The public is advised to disregard the falsehoods being circulated.
The event in question was not held at the palace, nor was it sanctioned by the Gbawe Kwatei Stool,” the statement read.
The incident, which took place during a naming ceremony organized by one Ibrahim Nii Aryee Quarshie Solomon, turned deadly when gunfire erupted, causing panic among attendees. The Ghana Police Service has since arrested the prime suspect, identified as 21-year-old commercial motorcyclist Gilbert Awuni, popularly known as “Starboy.”
Police reports indicate that Awuni allegedly shot and killed Queen Pearl Naa Dodoowa Whitaker, the 33-year-old traditional queen of Papaase, at close range. A second victim, Priscilla Naa Aryeley, 38, was shot in the chest and is currently receiving treatment at the University of Ghana Medical Centre.
Investigations suggest that some guests at the event had consumed “sobolo” drinks allegedly laced with narcotics. Around 7:00 p.m., individuals began discharging locally manufactured firearms, escalating the situation into chaos.
Starboy reportedly fled the scene on a motorbike with an accomplice known only as “Oxygen.” The duo escaped to Asokore in the Ashanti Region, where police later apprehended Starboy during a special operation.
Under interrogation, the suspect confessed to firing the fatal shot while under the influence of alcohol and claimed to have disposed of the weapon afterward. Authorities are still working to locate and retrieve the firearm.
The event organizer, Ibrahim Quarshie Solomon, was earlier arrested and released on police enquiry bail after admitting he permitted the use of firearms during the ceremony. Another accomplice is also in custody. Police recovered a locally made weapon, spent cartridges, and gunpowder residue at the scene.
The Ghana Police Service has since condemned the reckless use of firearms at public and traditional gatherings. In a statement, the police reminded the public that possession or discharge of a weapon without lawful authority is a serious criminal offence and urged citizens to report similar behavior.
The Gbawe Kwatei Family Palace has once again called on the media and the public to refrain from associating their institution with the incident. “We wish to make it absolutely clear that neither the event nor the individuals involved have any affiliation with the Gbawe Kwatei Family Palace,” the statement concluded.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com| Barimah Kwaku Saakwa
