A joint military-police operation in Nkwanta Township has successfully recovered a cache of weapons, a significant step towards restoring peace in the area following recent clashes.
The operation, part of a broader strategy to disarm factions involved in the ongoing conflict, resulted in the seizure of rifles, pump-action guns, and cartridges. The weapons are believed to have been used in violent confrontations fueled by a long-standing dispute among the Akyode, Adele, and Challa ethnic groups over the ownership of Nkwanta Township.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Lawrence Wiafe, Crime Officer of the Nkwanta Municipal Command, confirmed the success of the operation to the Ghana News Agency. He expressed optimism that the intervention, coupled with the deployment of a joint military-police taskforce, had significantly de-escalated tensions in the area.
“The presence of the security team has restored calm to Nkwanta. Our efforts to maintain order and disarm all factions will continue as we work towards sustainable peace,” ASP Wiafe stated.
Residents of Nkwanta, who had fled the area amidst the unrest, are gradually returning, although some remain apprehensive. Eyewitnesses reported the streets are now patrolled by heavily armed security personnel stationed at key locations to ensure safety and prevent further violence.
Community leaders and opinion shapers have called for dialogue and reconciliation, urging the rival factions to prioritize peace and development over territorial disputes.
Local authorities and security agencies have reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property while encouraging residents to cooperate with ongoing peace-building efforts.
The situation in Nkwanta remains under close monitoring, with the security taskforce maintaining a robust presence to prevent the resurgence of hostilities.