The Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, has called for the deployment of military personnel to Nkwanta Township in the Oti Region to restore calm following renewed ethnic clashes between the Akyode and Challa communities.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey on Monday, June 30, Mr. Gyapong confirmed that three students were struck by stray bullets during the violence, resulting in one fatality.
The two injured students are reported to be in stable condition and receiving medical care.
“Since Sunday, we have beefed up security in the area and so they will be deploying Military men to the big towns where this problem is going on. The government of the day is very much interested in the issue and has promised that it will do everything possible to bring peace back to Nkwanta,” Mr. Gyapong assured.
The latest wave of violence, which began on Wednesday, June 25, has so far claimed seven lives, including that of a final-year student of Nkwanta Senior High School, with several others injured.
The clashes have left Nkwanta Township desolate, with economic and social activities grinding to a halt.
All public and private schools in the town, including Nkwanta Senior High School, have been closed down.
Authorities arranged police escorts to ensure the safe evacuation of students, while many non-indigenous teachers have fled the area, worsening the atmosphere of fear.
Shops have also been locked, and the once-bustling township now lies in eerie silence.
In a related development, the Chief of Kpassa, Ubor Konja Tasan, has appealed to all groups, particularly the Kokomba community, to exercise restraint and support peace efforts.
Minister Gyapong has visited the area to commiserate with victims and affected families.
He emphasised that the conflict threatens peace, safety, and development, and called on both the youth and elders to support the peace process.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to find a lasting, peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
