This was preventable – Bonaa on deadly clashes in Nkwanta

A security analyst, Dr Adam Bonaa has asked the Oti Regional Minister to ban all public activities in Nkwanta as a way of dealing with the clashes that have claimed eight lives. In his view, the clashes were preventable. “The Regional Minister and his men should ensure that this does not happen again. This was preventable but unfortunately, we have 8 people dying,” he said on the Ghana Tonight show on TV3 Tuesday November 21.

He further suggested that “It is important to suspend all public activities that are likely to take place by the two factions, this is the surest way of letting them know that there is an authority within Nkwanta and the region.” The Oti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) will be holding an emergency security meeting today Wednesday, November 22 over the clashes in Nkwanta.

The Regional Minister Joshua  Gmayenaam Makubu who confirmed the number of deaths while speaking on the GhanaTonight show on TV3 Tuesday November 21 described the chaos as ‘ethnic clashes.”

“Tomorrow we are going to have an emergency security meeting again, ” he further said.

He further revealed that there had been clashes between members of two tribes, Adele and Akyode, in the town two weeks ago. The clashes have resulted in the Minister for the Interior Ambrose Dery, acting on the advice of the REGSEC and by Executive Instrument, imposing a curfew on Nkwanta township.

The curfew hours start from 5:00 PM to 6:00 AM effective Tuesday, November 21. An assailant was reported to have opened fire at the central market area in the town on Tuesday, November 21. Several persons have been killed and others injured in the process.

The Oti Regional Security Council deployed personnel to the area to bring the situation under control. “Government wishes to appeal to all to exercise restraint and to use the established mechanisms for the resolution of all their conflicts and disputes.

“Meanwhile, the Government would like to reiterate that, there is a ban on all persons in Nkwanta Township and its environs from carrying arms, ammunition or any offensive weapons and any persons found with any arms or ammunition will be arrested and prosecuted,” The Minister said.

By: Laud Nartey