By Issah Olegor
A tragic incident has marred this year’s celebration of the Fire Festival (Bugum Chugu) in Bimbilla, Northern Region, after a teenage girl was killed by a stray bullet despite repeated warnings from authorities against the use of firearms during the festivities.
The victim, identified as Fatima, a student of Bimbilla Senior High School, was reportedly hit in the neck by a bullet believed to have been fired by one of the celebrants during the nighttime procession on Saturday, July 5, 2025. She died instantly, according to eyewitnesses.
Her body was conveyed to the morgue by security personnel shortly after the incident, which has left the community in shock and mourning.
Celebrations Marred by Gunfire
The Fire Festival, deeply rooted in Dagbon history and widely observed across the Northern, North East, Savannah, and Upper East Regions, is a cultural event characterized by torch processions, drumming, and community bonding.
However, in recent years, the tradition has increasingly been overshadowed by the reckless use of firearms, including AK-47s and locally manufactured guns, often fired into the air during celebrations.
This year was no different in Bimbilla, where residents reported hearing loud gunshots and explosions throughout the night.
Despite a strong advisory issued by the Municipal Security Council warning residents to avoid using guns or dangerous objects, the festivities were marked by widespread firing of weapons.
Warnings Ignored
Just a day before the celebrations, the Ghana National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons issued a nationwide alert urging residents, particularly in the northern regions, to desist from the display and misuse of small arms during the Fire Festival.
In a statement signed by Acting Executive Secretary, Dr. Adam Bonaa, the Commission stated: “The reckless use of firearms during celebrations poses grave risks, including accidental shootings, injuries, and fatalities. Firearms are not toys, and their misuse endangers lives.”
The Commission emphasized that unauthorized possession and firing of guns is a criminal offense punishable under Ghanaian law, and urged community members to report any unlawful use of weapons to law enforcement agencies.
Despite these warnings, Fatima’s death marks yet another fatality tied to the festival’s unchecked weapon use.
Investigation
The Bimbilla Divisional Police Command has confirmed the incident and launched an investigation to identify the individual responsible for the fatal shot.
Security agencies have also been deployed to maintain order in the town as tensions rise over the incident.
