Dialogue is key to conflict resolution — Oti Regional Minister designate
The Regional Minister designate for the Oti Region, John Kwadwo Gyapong, has expressed his commitment to using dialogue, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to resolve the ongoing conflict in Nkwanta.
The renewed conflict, which erupted in Nkwanta on January 16, resulted in three fatalities and several injuries.
The prolonged violence has displaced approximately 200 people, forcing them to flee Nkwanta to nearby towns such as Pampawie, Ahamansu, and other locations within the Kadjebi District. Kadjebi, which borders the Nkwanta Municipality, has become a haven for those seeking refuge.
Speaking at his vetting by the Appointments Committee yesterday, Mr Gyapong underscored the importance of dialogue as the primary tool for resolving the conflict and emphasised that resolving conflicts was a gradual process that required consistent engagement. “Conflict is not an event, and a solution to the conflict is also not an event.
“We will dialogue with the stakeholders and the people who matter. We will establish a conflict resolution committee that will be attractive to all the players of the conflict,” he added.
He also outlined his plans to engage key stakeholders and set up a committee dedicated to conflict resolution.
“When I am given the nod, I will consult my regional coordinating council, the security coordinating council, and again consult chiefs and stakeholders in Nkwanta first, and we will see how we are going to solve this issue,” he said.
Situation
The latest situation has led to the imposition of a curfew on the Nkwanta township on the advice of the Oti Regional Security Council and by Executive Instrument.
In a press statement signed by the chief director of the ministry yesterday, the ministry announced that the curfew had taken immediate effect and would be from 8 p.m. – 6 a.m.
Also, a ban has been placed on all persons in the Nkwanta township and its environs from carrying arms, ammunition, or any offensive weapon.
“Any person found with any arms or ammunition will be arrested and prosecuted,” the statement stressed.
Meanwhile, a combined force of military and police personnel has been deployed in Nkwanta since last Friday to restore law and order and quell the ongoing violence in the area.
The personnel included four military buses, three pickup trucks, two armoured cars, six police pickup trucks from Tamale and an additional FPU bus from Ho.
The security personnel have been tasked with maintaining law and order while ensuring the safety of residents and property in the area.
Conflict
The ongoing conflict in the Nkwanta township stems from a long-standing ethnic dispute which has fuelled tensions among the Akyodes, Adeles and Challas in the catchment area.
Residents, who have been living in fear due to the conflict, have expressed relief at the arrival of the security personnel.
The situation in the Nkwanta township remains calm but tense, and residents hope the deployment and curfew will help restore peace to enable them to go about their daily activities.