21-year-old Arrested for shooting of queen mother during Gbawe naming ceremony

By Emmanuella Sarfo-Ntow July 7, 2025

The Ghana Police Service has arrested 21-year-old Gilbert Awuni, popularly known as “Starboy,” in connection with a fatal shooting incident that occurred during a naming ceremony at Gbawe Zero, a suburb of Accra.

According to police reports, Awuni was among a group of individuals who attended the event armed. He is alleged to have fired a weapon at close range, resulting in the instant death of 33-year-old Queen Mother, Pearl Naa Dodoo. Another victim, Priscilla Naa Ayeley, sustained serious gunshot injuries to the chest.

Awuni, who reportedly admitted to firing the weapon while under the influence of alcohol, fled the scene and went into hiding in Asokore, Ashanti Region.

He was later tracked down and apprehended by police.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Greater Accra Regional Police Headquarters on Monday, July 7, Director of Public Affairs DSP Juliana Obeng confirmed that the suspect has been arraigned and is scheduled to reappear in court on July 16, 2025.

In a separate announcement, DSP Obeng also disclosed the arrest of another individual believed to be behind the theft of 12 motorbikes within one week.

Investigations into both cases are ongoing.