By Alex Ababio
The ethnic violence between the Akyode and Challa groups in Nkwanta South Municipality, Oti Region, has escalated, with five more deaths confirmed. This brings the total number of fatalities to seven in the renewed conflict that broke out last Wednesday.
According to the latest reports the latest fatalities include a final-year student of Nkwanta Senior High School. Several others have also sustained injuries, among them two female day students who suffered gunshot wounds.
Ghost Town: Schools Closed, Businesses Abandoned
The once-busy town of Nkwanta now resembles a ghost town. A report from Me Media describes the township as being plunged into “complete desolation,” with normal life and economic activity coming to a standstill.
“Shops are locked, classrooms are empty, and the streets are eerily quiet,” a resident noted, capturing the town’s current atmosphere.
All public and private schools have been shut down as a safety measure. The situation at Nkwanta Senior High School was particularly alarming, prompting authorities to arrange for police escorts to safely evacuate students. Many non-local teachers have also fled the area, intensifying the fear and uncertainty among residents.
Calls for Restraint and Peace
In the wake of the violence, the Chief of Kpassa, Ubor Konja Tasan, has called on the Kokomba community to exercise restraint and help promote peace.
“We must demonstrate that people from different ethnic backgrounds can live peacefully and work together to achieve shared goals,” he urged.
Regional Minister Visits Affected Families
Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, has visited Nkwanta to express solidarity with the affected families. He emphasized the urgent need for the community to end the cycle of violence.
“As long as the conflict continues, peace will remain elusive,” he said. “The youth and elders must work together to embrace the peace process. The ongoing clashes are undermining not only the safety of our people but also the development and future of the region.”
Mr. Gyapong stressed the importance of choosing dialogue over violence. “We need to put down our weapons and resolve our differences through peaceful means. The cost of this conflict—lost lives, destroyed property, and shattered communities—is simply too high.”