Authorities have arrested eight persons in connection with the recent violent clashes in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region that claimed three lives and left several others injured.
The arrests follow renewed attacks that sparked fear among residents, resulting in multiple gunshot casualties and prompting the Ghana Police Service to deploy a special operations team to restore security in the municipality.
Municipal Chief Executive for Nkwanta South, Joseph Awal Antwi, has welcomed the arrests but is urging the Judicial Service to expedite the prosecution of suspects to help bring a lasting end to the recurring violence.
Speaking to Citi News, Mr. Antwi expressed concern that individuals arrested over previous disturbances are often granted bail shortly after appearing before court, a situation he believes weakens efforts to deter future attacks.
“We plead with the Judicial Service to fast-track these cases for us because sometimes the same people we arrest are sent to court, and within a week or two they are granted bail and come back jubilating,” he stated.
The MCE noted that the heightened security presence in the area has significantly improved the situation, with residents returning to their daily routines and businesses resuming normal operations.
“Now calm has been restored in Nkwanta and the security is doing their work diligently. Some arrests have been made and it’s all under process. As we are speaking now, Nkwanta is calm, businesses are going on,” he said.
The latest arrests form part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence, which has continued to pose a threat to peace and stability in the municipality.
Mr. Antwi expressed optimism that the swift prosecution of suspects and sustained security operations would help secure lasting peace in Nkwanta South and prevent a recurrence of the deadly clashes.
