A long-standing land dispute in the Nanumba South Municipality of the Northern Region has turned deadly, leaving at least three people dead.

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The violence broke out between residents of Namani and Kumani early this morning after a court ruled on the ownership of the contested land.

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For years, people from Kumani have crossed a nearby stream to farm on the disputed land, creating tension between the two communities. The Wulensi District Court recently ruled in favor of Namani, but when its residents attempted to take control of the land, they were met with resistance, sparking deadly clashes.

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Many fear that the Namani community may retaliate, which could lead to further violence. The conflict has now escalated into a broader dispute between the Kanyotiib clan of Namani and the Sanbultib clan of Kumani.

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To restore order, police officers have been deployed, with military personnel also called in as reinforcements. In addition, members of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) are on their way to the area to help bring the situation under control and prevent further bloodshed.

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Ghana's Northern Region has a long and turbulent history of land disputes, often driven by deep-seated tensions over traditional land ownership, ethnic rivalries, and chieftaincy matters. These disputes frequently arise because of unclear land tenure systems, lack of proper documentation, and conflicts between traditional authorities. As a result, disputes over land allocation or inheritance often escalate into violent clashes, leaving loss of life and destruction in their wake.

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For instance, in August 2024, a longstanding land dispute between the Dagomba and Konkomba ethnic groups in Zogbee, within the Mion District, turned deadly. Four people were killed in violent confrontations that also saw property destroyed, including several motorbikes. This clash paralyzed local transportation and disrupted the lives of many residents in the area.

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