The Nungua West branch of the Ga-Adangme Muslim Union has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of their newly enskinned Queen, Lawrencia Naa Borley Nelson, popularly known as Naa Gamu.
The unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday during the enskinment ceremony of the Queen in Nungua, Accra, when a musketry fired as part of the traditional rites struck her in the thigh.
Circumstances Surrounding the Shooting
While the exact motive behind the gunshot remains unclear, one suspect has been arrested as police investigations continue. However, the circumstances of the shooting have raised suspicions among family members, some of whom believe there may have been foul play.
Her uncle, Martison Quaye, questioned the handling of the musketry during the ceremony, expressing doubts about whether the shooting was accidental.
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“In such ceremonies, is it not gunpowder that is used? And isn’t the gun supposed to be fired into the sky? Why was she shot in the thigh?” he asked in an interview with TV3.
Concerns Over Delayed Medical Attention
Beyond the shooting itself, her family has also criticized the healthcare response, blaming delayed medical attention for her death.
Her brother, Nii Bortey Agbli, revealed that they were denied immediate care at multiple health facilities before she finally received treatment at Ridge Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
“We were turned away from the first facility without even first aid. At LEKMA, they also referred us to Ridge Hospital without any medical or first aid. By the time we got to Ridge, they removed the bullet and dressed her wound, only to tell us she had died,” he lamented.
Calls for Security Reform at Traditional Ceremonies
The tragic event has sparked outrage and concern within the Nungua community, with many calling for stricter security protocols at enskinment and other traditional events where musketry is used.
Community leaders and residents have urged authorities to review safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, police investigations are ongoing, and authorities have assured the public that they are working to uncover the full circumstances surrounding Naa Gamu’s death.
