The Adele and Guan Akyode communities within the Nkwanta South Municipality of Ghana’s Oti Region have vehemently denied any involvement in the recent spate of violence that has plagued the area. They emphasize their long-standing commitment to peace and accuse security forces deployed to quell the unrest of perpetrating violence against their innocent members, further exacerbating an already tense situation rooted in a protracted land dispute. Community leaders maintain that they have consistently counseled their youth against any actions that could escalate tensions, yet they find themselves unjustly targeted and victimized. Their plea is for a cessation of hostilities and a genuine effort to address the underlying causes of the conflict through dialogue and just resolution of the land dispute.
The community representatives, including Mr. Antwi Vincent, Mr. Stephen Wonder, and Madam Kpolar Margaret, categorically refuted allegations linking their communities to the reported violence, which includes arson and gunfire exchanges. They assert that their people have heeded their advice to remain peaceful and distant from any violent activities. They place the blame for the unrest squarely on the shoulders of some elements within the very security forces tasked with maintaining peace. They allege that these security personnel, rather than de-escalating the situation, have engaged in acts of violence themselves, including shootings and destruction of property, thereby deepening the fear and insecurity within the communities. This alleged misconduct by security forces, they argue, has severely eroded trust and necessitates their immediate withdrawal.
The Adele and Guan Akyode communities assert that their predicament stems from a long-running land dispute, the details of which have not been fully elaborated upon in their public statements. However, their consistent message is that they are the victims in this conflict, unjustly targeted and subjected to violence, despite their peaceful intentions. They claim to have repeatedly sought redress through established channels, including petitions to Parliament and human rights organizations, but their cries for justice have gone unheeded. This perceived lack of response from authorities has further fuelled their frustration and sense of vulnerability, contributing to the escalating tension in the region.
The community leaders have called upon President John Dramani Mahama to personally intervene and address what they perceive as a growing injustice and insecurity in their communities. They believe that high-level intervention is crucial to bring an end to the violence and ensure a fair and equitable resolution to the underlying land dispute. They argue that the current security approach, marked by alleged excessive force and indiscriminate targeting of their communities, has demonstrably failed to restore peace and has, in fact, worsened the situation. They therefore advocate for a change in strategy, starting with the withdrawal of the current security contingent and the initiation of an independent investigation into the true causes of the unrest.
Their call for an independent investigation underscores their belief that the current narrative surrounding the violence misrepresents their role and unfairly portrays them as aggressors. They believe that an impartial investigation will reveal the truth about the origins and escalation of the conflict, exonerating their communities and exposing the alleged misconduct of some security personnel. The leaders maintain that their communities are not instigators of violence but rather victims caught in a cycle of conflict that they are desperately trying to escape. They express hope that a truthful account of events will pave the way for a just resolution and a return to peaceful coexistence.
The communities of Adele and Guan Akyode reiterate their unwavering commitment to peace and development. They maintain that their primary desire is to live in harmony with their neighbors and contribute positively to the growth and prosperity of the Nkwanta South Municipality. They appeal to the government, particularly the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), to take swift and decisive action to address their grievances, withdraw the current security forces, and pave the way for a lasting peace in their region. They believe that only through just resolution of the land dispute and accountability for the alleged abuses can true and sustainable peace be achieved. They emphasize their desire for a peaceful and secure environment where they can rebuild their lives and pursue their aspirations without fear of violence or injustice.
