Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has deployed specialized units after leading a high-level security delegation to the Savannah Region following communal violence that has reportedly claimed the lives of nine (9) individuals.

The altercation at Gbiniyiri, which stemmed from a dispute over a portion of land, occurred on Sunday, August 24. Over the weekend, reports indicated that the violent clashes led to the deaths of five individuals and left six (6) others injured, three of whom were in critical condition.

The violence escalated further. On Monday, August 25, one person was shot dead. Reports also indicate that three more lives were lost on Tuesday, August 26, bringing the total number of deaths to nine, while about twenty-nine (29) people have sustained injuries, some in critical condition.

Several properties have been destroyed, and residents have been displaced due to the land dispute in Gbiniyiri, a farming community in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of the Savannah Region. The conflict is reportedly over a piece of land sold by a chief to a private developer.

District Chief Executive (DCE) for Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, Sinkina Saaka, told the media that some community members resisted when the developer attempted to work on the land, sparking the violent confrontations.

“It all started when the chief sold a piece of land to the developer some years ago. When the developer came to work on the land, the community members prevented him. The chief and his son later visited the community to ascertain the situation and were physically attacked,” Mr. Saaka recounted.

In response to the loss of lives and destruction of property, a joint team of military and police personnel was deployed to the community. Despite this, tensions remain high, prompting the IGP and his team to visit the area. The delegation from the National Police Headquarters is expected to engage chiefs, opinion leaders, and community representatives to discuss ways of resolving the crisis.

“We urge all parties to remain calm and work with the security teams to ensure lasting peace in the area,” the Service said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Mr. Saaka revealed that the District Security Council is collaborating with the regional security team to intensify patrols. Leaders of the disputing parties have been urged to seek an amicable resolution.

In a related development, a clash over land involving individuals from Gomoa Akaman and Awutu Bereku has reportedly resulted in the loss of one life. According to reports, about five individuals sustained injuries.

Those injured, who suffered gunshot and machete wounds, were rushed to the Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.

Sources indicate that the disputed land has been under litigation for years. Nkosouhene of the Anona family of Awutu Bereku, Nai Kweku Adawu, is reported to have said he obtained a court judgment in his favour. He subsequently instructed a group of hired men to grade the said piece of land.

However, the group was attacked by armed men wielding weapons. The Awutu Traditional Council has since called on the government to urgently find a lasting solution to the boundary disputes in the area.

Conflict in other areas of the country

Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, has reviewed the curfew hours earlier imposed on Bawku and Nalerigu townships in response to recent violent attacks. The previous curfew, which ran from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., has now been revised to 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The decision followed advice from the National Security Council. The curfew affects the Bawku Municipality in the Upper East Region and the East Mamprusi Municipality in the North East Region.

The curfew also provided a window for the evacuation of students from various educational institutions in the affected areas, as some students had been directly targeted in the conflict.

On Saturday evening, July 26, unknown assailants claimed the lives of two male students of Nalerigu Senior High School (SHS) in the Northern Region. According to reports, the armed group stormed the school premises, entered the dormitory, and opened fire on the two students—Lukman and Gideon.

Assembly Member for the Denugu Electoral Area, Dasmani Fuseini, and uncle to one of the deceased students, confirmed the attack to the media. The remains of the deceased were later released to their families for burial.

The police have since commenced investigations into the murders, which have been linked to the renewed Bawku conflict. Management of Nalerigu Senior High School is yet to officially comment, as students continue to mourn the tragic loss of their colleagues. Communities surrounding the school are also in shock.

Authorities have announced a total ban on all persons in the Nalerigu township and its environs from carrying arms, ammunition, or any offensive weapons. Any individual found in possession of such items will be arrested and prosecuted.

The government has appealed to chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, youth, and residents of the area to exercise restraint and to adopt non-violent approaches in addressing the challenges facing them.

In a statement issued on July 27, the government further announced that it is shifting its approach from peacekeeping to peace enforcement in Bawku and other affected areas. The decision was made in response to the recent escalation of violence, which officials fear could derail the peacebuilding process.

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have been deployed to maintain law and order and to take all necessary measures to protect lives and property. Residents have been advised to cooperate fully with the military to ensure peace.

The GAF has emphasised that it will use all means necessary to restore peace in Bawku, in the Upper East Region.

In a press release, the Acting Director General of Public Relations, VA Arhin, explained that the new strategy follows a directive by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama.

According to the military, its operations will focus on key conflict-prone areas such as Bawku, Binduri, Nalerigu, and Zebilla, in order to restore calm and prevent further escalation.

"The Ghana Armed Forces wishes to inform the general public that following the directive by the President of the Republic and Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, the Ghana Armed Forces has, with immediate effect, transitioned to peace enforcement has become necessary due to the activities of armed elements that have intermittently resulted in violence, reprisal attacks and innocent deaths highlighting a dangerous pattern that threatens not only Bawku but also the peace and security of our dear Nation.

“Ghana Armed Forces operations during this period will be conducted in areas to include Bawku, Binduri, Nalerigu and Zebilla. This peace enforcement phase will see the Military undertake robust and purposeful operations that would enhance community protection, while ensuring sanity returns to affected areas,” parts of the release read.