adverts
The Oti Regional Minister-designate, John Kwadwo Gyapong, has pledged to prioritise dialogue and stakeholder engagement in addressing the escalating conflict in Nkwanta.
The violence, which erupted on January 16, 2025, has claimed three lives and left several others injured.
Sporadic clashes and gunfire have spread fear among residents, displacing around 200 people. Many of the displaced have sought refuge in nearby towns, including Pampawie and Ahamansu, as well as other communities within the Kadjebi District, which borders Nkwanta Municipality.
adverts
Eyewitnesses report that the conflict is tribal in nature, involving the Challa and Adele groups on one side and the Achodes on the other. Videos obtained reveal extensive property damage and the terrifying sounds of gunfire, as unrest continued into Thursday night.
During his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Gyapong expressed his commitment to tackling the issue through peaceful means.
“When I am given the nod, I will consult my regional coordinating council, the security coordinating council, and again consult chiefs and stakeholders in Nkwanta first, and we will see how we are going to solve this issue,” he said.
Gyapong highlighted the need for a gradual, inclusive approach to conflict resolution. “Conflict is not an event, and a solution to the conflict is also not an event. We will dialogue with the stakeholders and the people who matter. We will establish a conflict resolution committee that will be attractive to all the players of the conflict,” he explained.
The minister-designate’s plan underscores the critical role of local leaders, traditional authorities, and other stakeholders in finding a lasting resolution to the tensions.
As the violence continues, the affected communities and displaced individuals eagerly await meaningful interventions to restore peace and stability to the region.
