Death Toll Rises to 7 As Nkwanta Becomes a Ghost Town Following Renewed Ethnic Conflict

• The death toll in the ethnic conflict between the Akyode and Challa communities in Nkwanta has risen to seven
• The conflict, which escalated on June 25, 2025, also left several others injured, including two female day students
• Local authorities and the community are calling for government intervention as the situation remains tense
• Yakub Alfa Suleiman, the founder of the Journalists Network for Peace and Security (JNePS), shared his views on this in a discussion with YEN.com.gh

The death toll in the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Akyode and Challa communities in Nkwanta has risen to seven, with many residents fleeing their homes in fear of further violence.

This was after five additional deaths were recorded on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in the Nkwanta-South Municipality of the Oti Region.

The individuals who unfortunately lost their lives in the conflict included a final-year student of Nkwanta Senior High School.

Aside from the rising death toll, several others, including two female day students, have sustained injuries.

The clashes have reportedly left the town in a state of turmoil, with many describing it as a "ghost town."

The renewed violence has caused widespread displacement, with many residents abandoning their homes and businesses.

The situation on the ground remains tense, with fears of further clashes and increased violence, according to media reports.

Nkwanta residents appeal for government intervention

There are growing calls for authorities to intervene and restore peace to the area. The situation in Nkwanta remains volatile, with many residents anxiously awaiting a resolution to the conflict.

They said the clashes have resulted in significant disruption to daily life, with social and economic activities grinding to a halt following the renewed ethnic conflict.

The local authorities are working to restore order and ensure the safety of residents.

The situation in Nkwanta remains fluid, with ongoing efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and prevent further violence.

The community is rallying together to support those affected by the clashes and work towards a peaceful resolution.

In line with this, the chief of Kpassa, Ubor Konja Tasan, has urged the feuding factions to exercise restraint and play an active role in resolving the conflict in the area.

“We have to prove that it was easy for people of all ethnic groups to live together in harmony to satisfy their common aspirations,” he reportedly said.

Oti Regional Minister visits Nkwanta conflict area

Meanwhile, the Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, has reportedly visited the area to commiserate with victims and affected families.

The minister also appealed to the feuding factions to allow peace to prevail and end the conflict.

He expressed deep concern that the ongoing conflict has endangered the peace, safety, and prosperity of the citizens, while also obstructing the region's development.

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Ghanaians share concerns over Nkwanta conflict

Ghanaians on social media have shared their concerns over the renewed conflict in the Nkwanta area of the Oti Region.

YEN.com.gh compiled a few of the reactions below:

@Akaonyewetara Benjamin said:

"My peaceful and sweet Nkwanta is now turning to a drone and a warzone because of a lack of love and Oneness. As a Nigerian living in Nkwanta. I pray 4 peace, unity and understanding among them because the person wey killed him no be Odogwu oh. It's an Igbo adage. He who kills his brother is not a strong man."

@Hardinton Saba Adzifome also said:

"Where is the military? A small group of people shouldn't hold the whole Town hostage. Step in to bring things under control."

@Nandzo Ganiew commented:

"This is going to affect health programs' implementation as no health worker will risk their life by going to the field."

Also reacting to this in an interview with YEN.com.gh, Yakub Alfa Suleiman, the founder of the Journalists Network for Peace and Security (JNePS), stated that the particular conflict in the area would serve as a hindrance to the nation's development goals, including socioeconomic and political development.

He highlighted that the community lacked potable water, had insufficient electricity supply, and faced a high rate of teenage pregnancy, child labour, and unemployment.

The JNPS founder noted that these were significant challenges, and over the years, politicians had not taken sufficient steps to ensure progress.

Mr Suleman said he believed that these issues could sometimes contribute to the conflicts, explaining that in a community where educational facilities were inadequate, ignorance could lead to further problems.

"Going forward, I believe the government should prioritise communities like Nkwanta South in terms of developmental projects. You see, once there is a low unemployment rate, where young men can get jobs, no one will be available for such issues, no one will pick up arms to fight because they will be busy trying to make something meaningful out of their lives. When we have enough educational facilities and schools built for the people, this will go a long way toward managing such conflicts," he said.

"These young men and women will be educated; they will understand the importance of living in peace, using their time productively, and managing issues instead of escalating them, which often forces security agencies to intervene," he added.

He added that the government should start engaging with the parties involved behind closed doors to better understand the issues and work towards finding lasting solutions.

Suleman further stressed that agencies, organisations, and stakeholders should also be included in the conflict resolution process.

While acknowledging the role of security agencies, he believed that experts who understood the issues better should also be involved, as security agencies had often been unable to provide lasting solutions.

"I believe it’s time for the government to start engaging with the parties behind closed doors to understand the issue and how they can contribute to a lasting solution. Additionally, we shouldn’t exclude agencies, organisations, or stakeholders from the conflict resolution process. Yes, we can work with the police and other security agencies, but we should also identify experts who understand these issues. From my observation and experience in conflict resolution, security agencies usually manage the issues, but they have not been able to find lasting solutions," he added.

Otumfuo engages feuding factions in Bawku conflict

YEN.com.gh earlier reported that the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, continued mediation talks with the feuding factions in the Bawku chieftaincy conflict on June 30, 2025.

The meeting, which included the Kusaug Traditional Council and the IGP, was part of ongoing efforts to bring peace to Bawku.

The Asantehene, known for his peace efforts in conflict-prone areas like Dagbon, reaffirmed his commitment to resolving the Bawku dispute.

Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh