The Community Focus Foundation Ghana (CFF-Ghana), a prominent advocate for democratic values and peace, has issued a dire warning about the escalating conflict in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region. The organization’s urgent plea calls for immediate government intervention to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. The conflict, ignited by the tragic killing of a high school student, has spiraled into widespread violence, claiming at least seven lives and displacing numerous residents. This includes vulnerable populations such as women, children, the elderly, government workers, and people with disabilities. The violence has also disrupted essential services, forcing schools to close and resulting in extensive property damage. The situation has become increasingly precarious with the seizure of communities like Keri by armed factions, raising the specter of a larger, devastating tribal conflict reminiscent of the Guinea fowl tribal war of 1994.
The CFF-Ghana’s press release underscores the gravity of the situation, highlighting the urgent need to protect lives and prevent further suffering. The organization emphasizes that the conflict, rooted in ethnic tensions, risks spiraling into a wider conflagration with potentially devastating consequences. The plea for government intervention is a desperate call to action, demanding that authorities take decisive steps to restore peace and security to the region. The CFF-Ghana, echoing concerns of many, stresses that the continued violence threatens to destabilize the entire region and inflict lasting harm on communities already grappling with the immediate impact of the conflict. The closure of schools, for example, disrupts children’s education and future prospects, while the displacement of families creates immense hardship and uncertainty.
The CFF-Ghana has proposed a four-point action plan to address the crisis, urging the government and relevant agencies to take swift and decisive action. The first point emphasizes the need for immediate intervention by the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Defense to secure the area, protect lives and property, and prevent further casualties. This requires deploying security forces to restore order, establish a visible presence to deter further violence, and ensure the safety of all residents. The CFF-Ghana stresses that protecting vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly, is paramount in this effort.
Secondly, the organization calls for the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) to provide urgent humanitarian aid to affected communities. This includes providing essential supplies such as food, shelter, healthcare, and protection services. Recognizing the trauma experienced by those displaced and affected by the violence, the CFF-Ghana stresses the importance of providing psychosocial support to help individuals cope with the emotional toll of the conflict. This support is crucial for rebuilding lives and fostering community healing.
Thirdly, the CFF-Ghana urges the government and the National Peace Council (NPC) to support the Oti Regional House of Chiefs in facilitating a ceasefire and initiating dialogue among the conflicting communities. This initiative aims to address the root causes of the conflict, promote reconciliation, and establish a lasting peace. The CFF-Ghana recognizes that sustainable peace requires addressing underlying grievances and building trust among communities. This involves fostering open communication, promoting understanding, and facilitating a process of healing and reconciliation.
Finally, the organization calls for the swift apprehension and prosecution of all individuals involved in the violence. Holding perpetrators accountable is essential for deterring future violence and upholding the rule of law. This sends a strong message that such acts will not be tolerated and reinforces the importance of peaceful conflict resolution. The CFF-Ghana emphasizes that justice and accountability are crucial components of building lasting peace and rebuilding trust in the affected communities. The organization’s appeal reflects a deep commitment to peace and security in Ghana and a recognition that decisive action is needed to prevent the Nkwanta South conflict from escalating into a wider humanitarian crisis.
