Ghana is currently dealing with 503 chieftaincy, land, and ethnic disputes, according to National Security Coordinator COP Abdul-Razak Osman. Out of these disputes, 130 are classified as high-risk conflicts that pose serious threats to community stability and national security, putting a strain on the public purse.
Affected Areas and Implications
– The ongoing violent conflicts in Bawku and Nkwanta are of particular concern, causing loss of lives, destabilizing development, and affecting commercial activities.
– COP Osman emphasized that these disputes have claimed many lives across the country and continue to undermine peace and development.
– The National Security Council is seeking the involvement of traditional authorities to address these existential threats .
Death and Serious Injuries Statistics
Based on recent conflicts in Ghana, specifically the Bawku chieftaincy conflict and the Nkwanta conflict, here are some death and serious injuries statistics:
– Bawku Conflict:
– Over 800 people have died from 2021 to 2023 due to the conflict.
– On September 21, 2023, unknown gunmen killed 9 people and injured 17 others in Pusiga.
– In a span of 11 days, 23 people were killed in the area due to the conflict.
– Nkwanta Conflict:
– In 2023, tribal conflicts led to the deaths of 4 individuals and numerous injuries.
– About 50 lives have been lost according to some participant reports in the Nkwanta conflict.
Key Concerns and Calls to Action
– Chieftaincy and Land Conflicts: Have claimed considerable lives and left many maimed.
– Illegal Mining: Causing environmental degradation, polluting major river bodies, and affecting water supply.
– Proliferation of Arms: Increasingly sophisticated weapons are being used in traditional activities, posing significant threats.
COP Osman urged traditional leaders to intensify efforts in resolving chieftaincy-related disputes through dialogue rather than violence. The President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, commended the National Security Coordinator for recognizing the critical role of traditional authorities in promoting peace and development.