Over 200 residents of Nkwanta in the Nkwanta South Municipality have fled to nearby towns in the Kadjebi District following the resurgence of violent conflict in the area. Pampawie, Ahamansu, and other neighboring communities have become temporary shelters for displaced individuals seeking safety.
The conflict, rooted in an ongoing dispute among the Akyode, Adele, and Challa ethnic groups over the ownership of Nkwanta, has left a trail of destruction. According to eyewitnesses, the latest violence began during a burial ceremony when unidentified gunmen disrupted the event by opening fire, forcing mourners to flee. Reports suggest at least seven people have been killed, with several homes and shops set ablaze.
The streets of Nkwanta, once bustling with activity, are now eerily silent, occupied only by military and police patrols. Armored vehicles and personnel have been deployed to strategic locations to restore order. While some residents welcome the military presence as a step toward peace, others fear potential human rights abuses.
Among the displaced, many are women and children, some of whom have made perilous journeys through the bush. Pregnant women, such as Madam Serwaa Afia Twumasi, have recounted harrowing escapes. “I’m scared for my life and the life of my unborn child,” she said tearfully.
In Pampawie, Madam Agnes Afua Obour, a community leader, revealed that residents have extended financial and logistical support to their displaced kinsmen. “Our kinsmen are distressed, and we are doing our best to help them. However, we need a lasting solution to this problem,” she said.
Similarly, Mr. Hussein Abdulai, Assemblyman for Ahamansu, is documenting the arrivals and assisting those fleeing the violence. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts to resolve the conflict and ensure the safety of all affected individuals.
Authorities in the Kadjebi District are monitoring the situation, though officials like Superintendent of Police Frank Nana Asomaning and District Coordinating Director Cletus Chevure have yet to receive formal reports on the influx of refugees.
The renewed clashes highlight the urgent need for a long-term resolution to the Nkwanta conflict, which has caused repeated displacement and hardship for residents. Community leaders and authorities are calling for dialogue and collaboration to bring peace to the area.