The police team in Nkwanta after the deadly clashes
Five people have been left dead following renewed violent clashes in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region, prompting police reinforcement to the area to ensure peace and security.
The Ghana Police Service, in a press release issued on March 26, 2026, said the victims—three males and two females—were found at two separate locations within the municipality by a joint security team comprising personnel from the Police, the Military, the Bureau of National Investigations, Defence Intelligence and the Ghana National Fire Service.
Although the victims have been identified, their names have not yet been made public.
Also, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, on Wednesday night dispatched a heavy security deployment to the area involving two armoured vehicles, together with personnel from the National Police Operations to beef up security and restore calm after the attacks.
The latest violence is linked to a long-standing dispute among three ethnic groups in the Nkwanta area—the Adele, Akyode and Challa—fuelled by tensions over land boundaries and security concerns.
A statement issued by the National Peace Council indicated that the conflict also involves the movement of firearms into the municipality by individuals connected to the groups.
In a separate statement signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police John Nchor, Public Affairs Officer for the Oti Region, the Ghana Police Service said investigations have begun to establish the circumstances surrounding the killings and to identify those responsible.
The police did not indicate whether any arrests had been made.
According to the Police, calm has since been restored in the area following the swift intervention by the security agencies.
Investigations have been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding the attacks and to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
The Police have urged residents of Nkwanta and surrounding communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid ongoing investigations.
They also cautioned the public against spreading misinformation or engaging in acts that could escalate tensions in the area.
FROM Daniel K Orlando & David Afum