Unpacking the complexities of Nkwanta conflict and the quest for peace

Nkwanta South Municipality in the Oti Region, once a thriving commercial hub, is grappling with the devastating consequences of conflict. 
The town’s rich cultural heritage and communal spirit are being tested by deep-seated tensions, displacement, and economic decline. 
To understand the intricacies of this conflict and potential pathways to peace, its essential to examine the underlying causes, the human and economic toll, and the collective efforts required to rebuild harmony. 
Unresolved Tensions and Contested Resources 
Nkwanta’s conflict is rooted in historical tensions and tribal rivalries, which has resurfaced over issues of traditional leadership, land ownership, and cultural recognition between Adeles, Akyodes, and the Challas. 
The struggle for resources, including fertile lands, market spaces, and natural resources, has created friction among communities reliant on farming and trade. 
This situation has led to destruction, tension, and loss of lives for over four years. 
The conflict has resulted in unending curfew, infringing the freedom of movement and decline in economic activities in the area. 
Furthermore, high unemployment rates among the youth has made the people more vulnerable to exploitation by tribal leaders and politicians, exacerbating mistrust and hostility. 
Loss, displacement, and economic decline 
The conflict has resulted in loss of life, burning of buildings leading to displacement of families, and economic decline. 
The once-thriving markets now operate below capacity, and planned infrastructural projects have stalled due to insecurity. 
Bright Gesuokon, NADMO Director, Nkwanta South Municipal disclosed to the Ghana News Agency that a total of about 1,055 people were displaced and some 49 buildings were torched in the current conflict that broke in June, 2025. 
He said records could not be ascertained in previous conflict breakouts, including the January attack. 
Sources from the hospitals operating from the Municipality attested to the demise of 11 people in the June clash alone. Earlier attacks have recorded between 13 and 18 deaths according to hospital sources. 
Victims Trauma 
Unfortunately, James Gikpara, a direct victim of the chaos told the Ghana News Agency, “My car, which I had struggled for years to acquire, was set ablaze in the chaos. Worse still, my house was reduced to rubble and ashes, leaving me with nothing to fall back on. All the labour, sacrifice, and cherished memories tied to my home were lost in a single moment of violence.” 
Anoher said, “The timing made the experience even more devastating. I was in the middle of my master’s examinations when the tragic news was broken to me. Sitting in the exam hall, instead of focusing on my paper, my mind was flooded with images of flames, loss, and helplessness. The trauma was unbearable, and it affected my ability to concentrate, threatening my hard work and academic progress.” 
Mr Joseph Kwame Antwi Awal, the Municipal Chief Executive of Nkwanta South, said the conflict in the area had threatened the Municipality’s economic and social structures. 
According to him, dialogue and legal processes have failed to yield results. 
He said business operations had been affected, causing economic losses due to fear and panic among businessmen and women in the area as a result of the conflict. 
Staff at the Assembly in charge of revenue collection, he noted, were unable to discharge their duties for fear of their lives, affecting the Assembly’s  internally generated funds (IGF). 
Mr Awal said the economic implication of the conflict to the Assembly was dire as millions of cedis are deployed to maintain the peace, a resource which could be used for the development of the enclave. 
Nana Soglo Alloh IV, President of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, called for the establishment of a permanent military base in the region, suggesting it be sited at Nkwanta, during the recent visit to the area by President John Mahama. 
He made a fervent appeal to the national security to tackle the conflict head-on before it takes a different dimension. 
The social fabric of the community has been severely strained, with schools closing intermittently, a student hit by a stray bullet, killing him instantly and children in general suffering the consequences of interrupted education. 
Many public and civil servants have left the enclave for safety, so is the situation in the health sector among others, the greatest losers are the indigenes of the three major ethnic groups. 
The conflict has attracted state security, which has been deployed to maintain law and order and protect lives and property at an aggravated financial outlay. 
The burden of this development is the chunk of resources been thrown-in towards dousing the situation from escalating, when these resources could have been directed at development that could change the fortunes of the area, bring the necessary jobs to employ the teeming youths, but the opposite is the case. 
Pathways to peace 
To restore the peace and prosperity of Nkwanta, a multifaceted approach is necessary. 
This includes: Inclusive dialogue and mediation: Bringing together traditional leaders, youth groups, women’s associations, and local government to foster mutual understanding and sign peace accords. 
Strengthening Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: Building the capacity of local councils and courts to handle disputes fairly and swiftly. 
There must be economic empowerment and youth engagement: Introducing skills training, creating job opportunities, and supporting small businesses to reduce idleness and economic frustration among youth. 
Furthermore, civic education and peace campaigns: Promoting tolerance, unity, and the benefits of peaceful coexistence through local radio, social media, and community events. 
Government and stakeholder commitment: Collaborating to implement long-term peacebuilding programmes, infrastructural projects, and support for displaced families. 
Peace could only emerge, when it comes from within and not without, so leadership must give chance to peaceful coexistence as the road to recovery needed to begin now or never. 
A Future of Hope and Unity 
Nkwanta’s story is one of resilience and hope despite the scars of conflict, its residents share a common desire to see their town flourish once more as a centre of trade, culture, and unity. 
Residents expressed brokenhearted to see Nkwanta, once a vibrant business hub of the Oti region, reduced to silence, destruction and fear. 
Tribal conflict has destroyed innocent lives and properties with the hopes and dreams of the youths being shattered. 
The conflict has left behind more than physical destruction; it tore apart relationships, dreams, and unity. The wounds remain a reminder of the urgent need for peace, reconciliation, and healing in Nkwanta. 
There are no winners in conflicts, only pain, losses, and regrets, therefore, by acknowledging the past, working courageously in the present, and committing to a future of peace and unity, Nkwanta could overcome its challenges and emerge stronger. 
GNA