The Ghanaian military has been deployed to the Mion and Kulkpeni communities in the Northern Region to quell rising tensions following the alleged illegal establishment of a new market by the Konkomba people in Kulkpeni. The military intervention, which began on Saturday, August 17, aims to prevent violence from escalating after weeks of unrest in the region.

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The tension initially flared up following a deadly communal clash in Zogbei, located in the Mion District, two weeks ago. The violent confrontation claimed the lives of over seven people, sparking division between the communities in the district.

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In the aftermath of the clash, the Konkombas in the Mion District opted to boycott the Mion market and establish their own market in Kulkpeni, a move that further intensified the strained relations between residents of the Mion and Yendi districts. The establishment of the Kulkpeni market, located near Yendi, was seen as a provocative action by some residents, who threatened to forcibly close the new market.

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The Yendi Municipal Security Council had urged the Konkombas to follow the proper legal channels to officially open the market, but efforts to resolve the issue have so far proven unsuccessful. Fears of possible clashes heightened as today, Friday, August 23, marked a scheduled market day in Kulkpeni.

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In response to the growing threat of violence, the military presence in the area has been significantly bolstered to ensure peace and prevent any outbreak of unrest.

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