By Daniel Agbesi Latsu/Kingsley Mamore
Kadjebi (O/R), Jan. 18, GNA – Some 200 people have fled from Nkwanta to Pampawie, Ahamansu, among other destinations in the Kadjebi District following the renewed conflict in Nkwanta, the capital of Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly.
The Kadjebi, which borders Nkwanta Municipality, has become a safe haven to displaced members of the public, wishing to escape the violence.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Madam Agnes Afua Obour, a Linguist and Opinion Leader at Pampawie, said, “our kinsmen who are distressed due to the situation have reached out for support to return home. We transferred money to some to facilitate their movement with many arriving late Friday.”
She said the problem at Nkwanta was serious and all hands should be on deck to find a lasting solution to it.
Mr. Hussein Abdulai, Assemblyman for Ahamansu Electoral Area, also told GNA that people came to Ahamansu town on Thursday, Friday and even Saturday.
He told GNA that he was taking their details and would furnish the report with the list of people who are fleeing the trouble zone to Ahamansu.
An eyewitness at Nkwanta, who wanted to remain anonymous, said the trouble started, when some people went to the cemetery to bury a relative and during the process some unidentified gunned men came in and started firing.
He said fortunately, they had already burned the dead, so, they ran away unhurt.
He disclosed to GNA that some seven people are reported killed and some eight houses and shops set ablaze.
Mr. Cletus Chevure, Kadjebi District Coordinating Director, when reached by GNA on the refugees, said he was yet to receive information on people coming to the Kadjebi District.
Superintendent of Police, Frank Nana Asomaning, Kadjebi District Police Commander when contacted by GNA, said he received no official information on such people coming to the district, but only heard some people were fleeing from Nkwanta to other places for safety.
The Nkwanta township and streets have been deserted as the only eye-catchy event are the patrols of military cum Police detachments.
The once-bustling streets were left empty, with only the sound of military and police vehicles patrolling the area breaking the silence.
The military personnel, who arrived in armoured vehicles, have taken up positions in strategic locations throughout the township, with some patrolling the streets.
Speaking to some residents, who remained anonymous, welcomed the military’s arrival, hoping it will bring an end to the violence, others are skeptical, fearing the military’s presence could lead to further human rights abuses.
The GNA team saw several pregnant women, some visibly distressed, making their way through bushes, desperately in an attempt to escape the violence.
One pregnant woman, Madam Serwaa Afia Twumasi, told GNA that she was forced to flee her home due to the fighting.
“I’m scared for my life and the life of my unborn child,” tears streaming down her face.
The Akyode, Adele and Challa ethnic groups are claiming ownership of Nkwanta township leading to the age-long conflict.
GNA