Home / Ghana Politics / Nkwanta South MP Reveals 11 Lives Lost in Nkwanta Conflict Over Yam Festival Rites

Nkwanta South MP Reveals 11 Lives Lost in Nkwanta Conflict Over Yam Festival Rites

The Member of Parliament representing Nkwanta South, Geoffrey Kini, has disclosed distressing details about the conflict that has rocked the Nkwanta township, revealing that within the initial 24 hours of the dispute, eleven individuals lost their lives.

The conflict stemmed from disagreements concerning the observance of rituals associated with the Akyodes’ annual yam festival in 2023. This dispute has not only claimed lives but has also inflicted numerous injuries and caused significant property damage, prompting a mass exodus of residents seeking safety elsewhere.

During a parliamentary address, MP Geoffrey Kini lamented the profound impact of the conflict on education and agricultural activities in the region. He earnestly appealed for peace among all involved parties to restore normalcy to the area.

THIS IS TRENDING:   Muslim Leaders in Ghana Advocate for Two-Day Holidays for Eid Festivals

Kini stated, “Within the first 24 hours of the outbreak of hostilities, eleven people were officially reported dead. The typically lively and bustling town transformed into a desolate ghost town, with hundreds fleeing to neighboring towns and villages, while others barricaded themselves in their homes to evade violence.”

He commended the rapid response of security forces, a collaborative effort between the police and military, for their intervention that helped mitigate the escalating conflict. Their timely action prevented further catastrophic consequences and saved more lives.

Meanwhile, Minister of Interior Ambrose Dery highlighted that numerous individuals have been prosecuted for violating the imposed curfew in Nkwanta. He emphasized the ongoing enforcement of the curfew, acknowledging the complexities of the conflict as a land-related issue.

THIS IS TRENDING:   Finance Committee Demands Detailed Justification for GH₵500m Drought Relief Request

Dery stated, “The curfew remains in force, and individuals breaching it have faced legal consequences. This has contributed to some level of calmness. However, considering the nature of the dispute being rooted in land matters, it requires careful handling.”

The situation in Nkwanta continues to be a matter of concern, with efforts focused on maintaining peace and addressing the underlying issues to prevent further escalation of the conflict that has already claimed lives and disrupted the community’s stability.

About Juventus Kantaayel

Check Also

Over 18.7 Million Ghanaians Set to Vote on December 7 – EC

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has revealed that 18,774,159 registered voters are expected to …