Story by, Paul Mensah Nsor
The Accra Regional Police Command has apprehended the main suspect in the tragic shooting incident that claimed the life of Queen Mother Pearl Naa Dodoowa Whitaker during a naming ceremony at Gbawe Zero on June 19, 2025.
The suspect, identified as Gilbert Awuni alias Starboy, 21, was arrested in Asokore, Ashanti Region, after fleeing the scene.
According to Ms. SUPT Juliana Obeng, Head of publicAffairs Accra Regional, Starboy and others were consuming sobolo allegedly laced with narcotic substances at the event. Under the influence, Starboy began firing a locally made gun recklessly, fatally shooting the queenmother and injuring another woman, Priscilla Naa Aryeley.
The police have arrested Starboy, the event organizer, Ibrahim Nii Aryee Quarshie Solomon, and another accomplice. A locally manufactured gun, empty cartridges, and gunpowder were also recovered.
The Ghana Police Service strongly condemns the reckless and unlawful use of firearms at public and cultural events, emphasizing that possessing and discharging firearms without lawful authority is a serious offense. Those responsible will face prosecution.
The police are working to recover the firearm allegedly discarded by Starboy after the incident. The case is ongoing, with efforts to ensure justice for the victim and her family.