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FOSDA urges calm, dialogue amid renewed violence in Nkwanta

Theodora A. Williams

The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) has expressed grave concern over the renewed outbreak of violence in Nkwanta, located in the Oti Region of Ghana.

“We unequivocally condemn the recent clashes, which have tragically claimed at least three lives, and we call for immediate calm and restraint in the affected communities.

“We appeal to all parties involved to cease hostilities and commit to a peaceful dialogue process to resolve their differences. FOSDA urges the leaders, elders, and youth of Nkwanta to prioritize the well-being of their people by refraining from actions that could endanger lives, destroy property, and undermine the community’s development”, the Executive Director for FOSDA, Theodoar Anti, disclosed in a statement.

She continued: “We further call on the Government of Ghana to adequately resource and empower the National and Regional Peace Councils to proactively address these longstanding tensions. Persistent
chieftaincy and land disputes—many of which remain unresolved—continue to fuel instability
and violence in the region.”

According to her, a well-resourced Peace Council, working in close collaboration with civil society organizations, would be better positioned to mediate and prevent such outbreaks.

“FOSDA commends the security agencies for their timely intervention and the arrests made so far.
Their continued neutrality and professionalism are vital to restoring peace and building community trust in the resolution process.

“Finally, we call on all residents and indigenes of Nkwanta to exercise maximum restraint. Preventing further loss of life, internal displacement, and economic disruption must remain a collective priority.”

However, Deputy Education Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, has expressed condolences to the families of students who were killed in a shooting incident at Nkwanta Senior High School.

In a post on his X account, Dr. Apaak echoed calls for peace amid a resurgence of tribal conflict in Nkwanta.

His statement follows the tragedy that occurred over two days, during which two students reportedly lost their lives in a shooting incident on Thursday, June 26, 2025, while a third was struck by a stray bullet on Friday, June 27, 2025.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of 3 students through a shooting incident on Thursday, 26th June, and a stray bullet on Friday, 27th June at Nkwanta SHS as a result of the resurgence of a tribal conflict. We commensurate with the affected families and call for peace,” Dr. Apaak wrote on Sunday.