A violent clash between two youth factions in Sankor, Winneba, in the Central Region has resulted in the death of an individual.

Several others have also sustained injuries following the incident which occurred on Sunday, January 25. A video making rounds on social media shows the culprits inflicting machete wounds on themselves.

The Winneba Divisional Police Commander, ACP Ibrahim Opoku made this known while engaging the media.

However, the Divisional Police Commander is yet to make known what instigated the clash. Violent clashes in Ghana are mostly fueled by tribalism and chieftancy disputes.

These actions have led to the loss of many lives and properties. The Upper East Region has since experienced consistent clashes until the intervention of the Asante hene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Bawku, which had remained relatively peaceful for a period, saw conflict erupt once more in late 2024. The resurgence of violence was largely sparked by the return of Alhaji Seidu Abagre, a Mamprusi chief who had been enskinned in 2022, only to be exiled later when his enskinment was ruled illegal.

His return to Bawku followed the withdrawal of an arrest warrant against him by a Kumasi High Court in October 2024, reigniting tensions between the Kusasi and Mamprusi communities. The renewed violence has resulted in deadly confrontations, including attacks on both civilians and security forces.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s involvement in the peace process was met with widespread approval.

The Mamprusi-installed rival chief, Alhaji Seidu Abagre, from Bawku following Otumfuo’s recommendation. The Asantehene Osei Tutu II initiated mediation talks last year to find lasting solutions to conflicts in the area.

According to a statement released by the Interior Ministry, Alhaji Seidu Abagre was removed on December 24.

"This afternoon, personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) removed Alhaji Seidu Abagre from Bawku, pursuant to the recommendations of the Otumfuo Asantehene Osei Tutu II mediation report regarding the Bawku affair," the statement read.

The Ministry assured the public that "Alhaji Seidu Abagre was safe in the care of the security agencies."

During the engagement with the groups, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, urged the factions involved in the Bawku chieftaincy dispute to cease power struggles and work towards lasting peace.

He made the call on Monday, December 1, at the Manhyia Palace Jubilee Hall in Kumasi while speaking to representatives of the Mamprugu and Kusasi.

“Whatever the outcome of the mediation, you will still have to live together as brothers and sisters,” he added.

But, the overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area, the Nayiri, Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, has described a chieftaincy mediation report presented by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as a “procedurally flawed” and “unilaterally imposed” document.

According to a statement dated Wednesday, December 17, and issued by the Mamprugu Traditional Council, the content of the document is contrary to the discussions held during the mediation.

The statement further contended that such actions by Otumfuo contradict the fundamental purpose of mediation. It added that, “I must state clearly and without reservation that the so-called report and recommendations do not reflect my engagements with Otumfuo, nor those of my duly constituted mediation team.”

“To say that I feel betrayed, disappointed, and deeply hurt would be a grave understatement,” he wrote, alleging that the report was “replete with factual inaccuracies” and displayed a “manifest imbalance” favouring one side’s narrative while omitting Mamprugu’s case.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has stepped in to ensure a lasting solution to the long-standing dispute between the Kusasis and the Mamprusis in Bawku.

As part of these efforts, the Minister of Finance has been directed by President John Dramani Mahama to create a one-billion Ghana cedi (GH¢1bn) fund for the restoration of peace, rebuilding damaged infrastructure, and reviving economic activities in Bawku.

The rebuilding of damaged infrastructure will target roads, health facilities, schools, dams, and irrigation systems to support all-year-round farming.

The fund will be distributed and used gradually over three years, starting in 2026 and ending in 2028. This disclosure was contained in a statement issued by the Presidency on Wednesday, December 17.

According to the government, the new development also aims to restore Bawku to its former status as a major economic and trading centre in northern Ghana.