Over 31 lives lost and approximately 50,000 people forced to flee due to conflict in Ghana
In the heart of northern Ghana, a land dispute has been the root cause of a series of inter-communal conflicts. The dispute, involving several local communities, escalated when a local chief sold land to a private developer without the community's consent.
The developer's attempt to access the land for construction led to violent resistance from the local population, resulting in displacements of approximately 48,000 people, mostly women and children. The violence, which began on August 24 in the village of Gbiniyiri near the Ivorian border, has been a cause for concern, with 31 reported deaths according to the Interior Minister of Ghana, Mubarak Muntaka.
However, there is some good news. For five consecutive days, there have been no reports of shootings, deaths, or attacks. The regional director of the National Disaster Management Organization, Zakaria Mahama, confirmed this development and added that the displaced are starting to return home.
Traditional chiefs and community elders are working alongside authorities to prevent further clashes and to work towards reconciliation. An investigative committee has been established for this purpose.
Authorities fear a potential food shortage due to families abandoning their farms and livestock during the chaos. To address this, more than 700 military and police personnel have been deployed in recent days.
Despite the challenges, calm is gradually returning to the region. A regional official, Salisu Bi-Awuribe, reported this development. However, there is no mention yet of the return of the displaced people or any new incidents of violence.
The displaced Ghanaians have reached 17 villages near the border in the regional council of Bounkani in Ivory Coast. A total of 13,253 Ghanaians have fled to neighboring Ivory Coast due to the violence.
It's important to note that land-related inter-communal conflicts and disputes over local chieftaincy are common in northern Ghana. However, displacements of this magnitude are rare in the country.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is hoped that the efforts of the authorities, traditional leaders, and community elders will lead to a peaceful resolution and the return of normalcy to the affected communities.
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