A joyous occasion turned tragic last Thursday in Gbawe Zero, a suburb of Accra, as a child naming ceremony ended in violence. Pearl Naa Dodoowa Whitaker, a queenmother, was fatally shot by unidentified gunmen, while another woman sustained gunshot wounds and is currently receiving treatment at the University of Ghana Medical Centre.
The deceased, aged 33 and a mother of two, had recently completed her enstoolment rites and was awaiting her official coronation as Naa Agyinafo I of Papaase, a community along the Accra–Nsawam stretch. The incident has shocked the community, leaving them mourning the loss of a promising leader.
Police have confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing. The Odorkor Divisional Police Commander, ACP Kofi Sarpong, visited the scene and reported that a chief, Nii Ayi Solomon, had hosted the naming ceremony at his residence. The chief reported the shooting incident to the police, leading to further inquiries into the tragic event.
According to ACP Sarpong, the chief mentioned that the ceremony began at 10 a.m. and most guests had started to leave by 4 p.m. However, at around 7 p.m., gunshots were heard at the venue, leading to the discovery of the two injured women. The chief acted swiftly to arrange transportation for them to the hospital and is currently assisting the police with their investigations.
A close friend of the deceased, Mary Hammond, recounted the events leading up to the shooting. Pearl had been serving guests at the ceremony and had briefly stepped out to assist the caterer. Upon her return, she was seated near Mary when the gunshots rang out, resulting in her tragic death. Mary described the chaotic scene and her frantic attempt to help Pearl as she lay wounded on the ground.
Prior to the attack, Mary mentioned that there were young men firing muskets as part of the celebration, a traditional practice that did not initially raise any concerns. The queenmother had been enstooled just three months earlier and was on the brink of being officially introduced to the community before the tragic incident occurred.
The community is reeling from the loss of a promising leader and the senseless act of violence that marred what was supposed to be a joyous occasion. As investigations continue, the hope for justice and closure remains prevalent among the residents of Gbawe Zero. The memory of Pearl Naa Dodoowa Whitaker, a beloved queenmother, will forever be cherished in their hearts.
