The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested 21-year-old Gilbert Awuni Alia, alias Starboy, in connection with the fatal shooting of a queenmother during a naming ceremony at Gbawe Zero on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
The victim, 33-year-old Pearl Naa Dodoowa Whitaker—known traditionally as Naa Agyinafo I of Papase—was shot at close range and died instantly. Another attendee, 38-year-old Priscilla Na Ayele, sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and is currently receiving treatment at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, where she is said to be in stable condition.
According to police, the suspect fled to Asokore in the Ashanti Region after the incident, where he was later arrested. Investigators revealed that Starboy was among a group that recklessly discharged firearms during the ceremony.
The event, organised by Ibrahim Ni Ayikwashi Solomon (also known as Nii Ayi Solomon), had been reported earlier to the police by Solomon himself.
He has since been arrested after admitting to authorising the use of firearms at the gathering, which was attended by traditional leaders and members of Asafu groups.
Police investigations suggest the violence may have been triggered by the consumption of Sobo, a locally brewed drink suspected to be laced with narcotic substances. During interrogation, Starboy confessed to firing a weapon while under the influence of alcohol.
He also claimed to have fled the scene with an accomplice known only as Oxygen. A second accomplice has been arrested, and police have retrieved a locally manufactured firearm, spent cartridges, and gunpowder.
The command has condemned the unauthorised use of firearms at public events and warned, “Possession and discharge of firearms without lawful authority is a serious offence.”
