Govt deploys troops to quell Nkwanta violence
The government has responded swiftly to the renewed violence in Nkwanta in the Oti Region by deploying a combined team of police and military personnel to restore calm.
Additional troops were also sent yesterday to enforce law and order after the conflict, which has already resulted in the deaths of three persons and injured two others.
According to the acting Spokesperson for President John Dramani Mahama, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the government was committed to ensuring the safety of all residents.
The government's prompt response is to prevent further escalation of the violence.
The clashes are believed to have stemmed from a longstanding chieftaincy dispute, according to Mr Kwakye Ofosu.
“On the Nkwanta clashes, believed to stem from a chieftaincy dispute, a combined team of police and military personnel has been quickly deployed to restore calm,” he said.
The Ghana News Agency (GNA) quoted the Nkwanta South Municipal Crime Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Lawrence Wiafe, as confirming the disturbing violent attacks but said calm had been restored with the beefing up of security in the enclave.
Violence
The violence in Nkwanta is not an isolated incident. In October 2023, clashes between rival factions resulted in the deaths of over 15 people, with many sustaining injuries.
The dispute is rooted in a disagreement over the performance of ritual rites before the celebration of the annual Yam Festival.
Despite efforts to broker peace, including the signing of agreements by traditional leaders, tensions have persisted.
The latest outbreak of violence has raised concerns about the ability of the factions to coexist peacefully.
Residents flee
Eyewitnesses told the GNA that the violence began on Thursday, January 16, with sporadic gunfire being heard after 7 p.m.
They described the scene as having a semblance of a war zone. "All you could hear were gunshots everywhere, bullets and screams filling the air,” an eyewitness said.
Many residents have fled the community, seeking refuge in nearby towns.