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The usually quiet farming community of Gbenyiri, in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of the Savannah Region, has been rocked by violent clashes that have left at least 10 people dead and several others injured. What began as a long-standing land ownership dispute escalated into a deadly confrontation, displacing scores of residents and exposing the deep fractures in Ghana’s land tenure system.
A Community in Crisis
On August 24, 2025, violence erupted between opposing factions over control of farmlands. Armed confrontations quickly turned fatal, claiming the lives of five men—including the son of the Chief of Kalba—while injuring six others. The violence did not end there. By the following days, the death toll had risen to 10, with over 12 others critically injured.
The clashes forced the Chief of Gbenyiri to abandon his palace, while homes were set ablaze, farmlands destroyed, and terrified residents fled into nearby bushes or sought shelter at police stations. The once vibrant community has been reduced to a state of fear and displacement. In a news today, it has been reported by Media General’s correspondent that, some people who tried crossing to nearby villages on boat has been drown and children sleeping outside the comfort of their homes are critically ill.
Emergency Response
The Savannah Regional Security Council (REGSEC) swiftly convened an emergency meeting to contain the situation. Relief items, including tents, food, and clean water, were dispatched to affected families through the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO). Security reinforcements were also deployed to the area.
In addition, a stakeholder mediation meeting has been scheduled in Damongo to bring warring factions and local leaders together for dialogue. Political leaders, including Wa West MP Peter Lanchene Toobu, have joined traditional authorities to call for peace and reconciliation.
Root Causes of the Conflict
At the heart of the clashes is Ghana’s complex and often fragmented land ownership system, where lands are controlled by families, clans, and traditional authorities, often with little documentation. This creates overlapping claims and fuels disputes that can easily turn violent.
Security analysts have argued that the Gbenyiri clashes are not isolated but part of a broader national problem. They are calling for urgent land tenure reforms, improved documentation of ownership, and stronger dispute resolution systems to prevent such tragedies.
Call for Peace and Reform
The Gbenyiri tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of unresolved land disputes. Beyond the immediate loss of lives and property, these conflicts undermine social cohesion and disrupt the economic activities of entire communities.
To restore peace, experts stress the need for transparent land administration, stronger customary and statutory dispute resolution mechanisms, and continuous community dialogue. Without systemic reform, many more communities across Ghana could face similar turmoil.
Ebenezer Oppong Aboagye
Sources:
Adomonline, Myjoyonline, Graphic online
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