A renewed conflict in Nkwanta township, Oti Region, has prompted the government to impose a strict curfew from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. starting Thursday, June 26, 2025, in an effort to restore order and prevent further violence.
The unrest erupted after Akyode community members performed traditional rituals at the local market to mark the new yam festival, sparking outrage among the Challa group. The disagreement quickly escalated into gunfire, arson attacks on shops, destruction of property, and injuries to two individuals.
In response, the Interior Minister, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, acting on recommendations from the Oti Regional Security Council, authorized the curfew through an Executive Instrument. Additionally, a comprehensive ban on the possession of firearms, ammunition, and offensive weapons within the Nkwanta township and surrounding areas has been enforced. Authorities warn that violators will face immediate arrest and prosecution.
Joseph Antwi Awal, the Municipal Chief Executive for Nkwanta South, confirmed the violent incident to the Ghana News Agency, highlighting that the dispute centered on conflicting views over the market purification rite. This tension arose despite the earlier suspension of the 2025 Gyogyi Yam Festival by the Oti Regional Security Council due to security concerns.
Government officials continue to call on traditional leaders, youth groups, and community members to exercise calm, seek peaceful dialogue, and refrain from violent actions to safeguard communal harmony in the region.
