Five killed in Nkwanta violence as security tightens grip

Fresh violence in Nkwanta South Municipality has claimed five lives, prompting a swift security response led by the Ghana Police Service.

In a statement issued on March 26, 2026, police confirmed that three men and two women were found dead at separate locations within the municipality. Although the victims have been identified, their names are yet to be released publicly.

A joint security team—comprising personnel from the Police, Military, Bureau of National Investigations, Defence Intelligence and the Ghana National Fire Service—was deployed to the area.

Reinforcements, including armoured vehicles and officers from the National Police Operations Unit, have since been sent in to stabilise the situation.

Authorities say calm has been restored following the intervention.

Long-standing tensions resurface

The killings are linked to a protracted conflict among three ethnic groups in the area—the Adele, Akyode and Challa—rooted in disputes over land boundaries and lingering security concerns.

The National Peace Council disclosed that the situation has been worsened by the movement of firearms into the municipality by individuals associated with the groups.

Peace pact signed

In a bid to halt the violence, chiefs and elders from the three factions signed a declaration committing to an immediate ceasefire and an end to the circulation of weapons.

The agreement requires all parties—including allied groups—to remain within their respective land boundaries while ongoing court proceedings address the dispute.

Leaders have also been tasked with urging their members, particularly the youth, to refrain from any form of armed confrontation, regardless of provocation.

To ensure compliance, the Peace Council says a joint monitoring committee will be established, while security agencies have been urged to act professionally and investigate all incidents thoroughly.

Investigations underway

Police say investigations have commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the killings and to identify those responsible.

No arrests have been announced so far.

Residents in Nkwanta and nearby communities have been cautioned against spreading unverified information and encouraged to cooperate with authorities by providing credible intelligence.

The latest developments highlight ongoing concerns over recurring communal tensions in the area, despite renewed efforts toward peace and stability.