A deadly land dispute in Gbenyiri, located in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of the Savannah Region, has now claimed more than 10 lives and led to widespread destruction of property. The violent clashes, which broke out over the weekend, have reignited concerns about the region’s fragile security landscape.
Speaking on GH Today with Lily Mohammed on GHOne TV, a local youth leader narrated the origins of the conflict, which reportedly stemmed from a long-standing land ownership disagreement.
“Someone bought a piece of land 15 years ago. When he finally tried to develop it, the chief of the area had already given the land to different people,” the youth leader explained.
“The chief allegedly led an attack on the man. They targeted individuals they identified as supporters of the solar thermal power project, setting properties on fire—including one believed to belong to a relative of the Member of Parliament. That’s why they nearly burned the MP’s house yesterday.”
District Chief Executive for Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, Saaka Seidu Sinkina, painted a grim picture of the aftermath, stating that the once-bustling Gbenyiri community has now turned into a ghost town.
“The attacks are happening across the district, but in Gbenyiri, the situation is dire. Almost everyone has fled. The town is deserted,” he told reporters.
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for the area has condemned the violence, appealed for calm, and called on former President John Dramani Mahama to step in and help mediate a lasting resolution to the conflict.
Security personnel have reportedly been deployed to the area to restore order, while investigations continue into the causes and perpetrators of the violence.
Story by: Elikplim Awuku
