Minority Leader and Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin has raised concerns over possible security and intelligence lapses surrounding the deadly violence that erupted in New Winneba, calling for a thorough investigation into how the attackers were able to operate in broad daylight.
Three people were killed and 15 others injured after suspected attackers from Gomoa Oguakrom, Gomoa Yenkuadze and Gomoa Pomadze allegedly entered New Winneba and attacked residents.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, Mr Afenyo-Markin questioned how a group of youths from three neighbouring communities, allegedly armed with guns, machetes and clubs, could mobilise and enter the town without being intercepted by the security agencies.
“This was not done in the night. It’s broad daylight, morning, walking, and chanting one song to another community,” he said.
The MP said the circumstances surrounding the incident raised serious questions about the effectiveness of security intelligence and early-warning mechanisms in the area.
“What did they do? What were their early warnings? These are quite disturbing,” he said.
Mr Afenyo-Markin therefore urged the police to establish what information was available before the attack and determine whether opportunities to prevent the violence were missed.
He specifically appealed to the Central Regional Police Command and the Ghana Police Service headquarters to intensify investigations and work together to identify the organisers and perpetrators.
“My word to the Police, and I speak directly to the divisional commander. ACP, divisional commander, please. I have always told you to be firm. Please be firm and keep the peace,” he said.
The Minority Leader also called for investigations into the weapons reportedly used during the attack, saying authorities must establish where the guns, machetes and clubs came from.
He argued that identifying the perpetrators and bringing them before the courts would be critical to preventing further violence and restoring confidence in the security system.
Mr Afenyo-Markin, however, cautioned residents against retaliatory attacks, stressing that the response to the violence must remain within the law.
“Nobody should take the law into his own hands or hers and plan any revenge,” he warned.
He expressed confidence that a coordinated operation by the regional and national police commands could lead to the identification and arrest of those responsible.
“If indeed the Regional Command, assisted by the headquarters of Ghana Police, join forces and they get into the community day and night, within a week, I am very positive that they will get to know all those behind,” he said.
He said the immediate task for the security agencies should be to uncover the circumstances that led to the attack, arrest and prosecute those responsible, and prevent further clashes between New Winneba and the surrounding communities.
