Nkwanta South Engulfed: Curfews Imposed Amid Deadly Attacks and Killings

Renewed attacks and escalating violence have gripped the Nkwanta South Municipality in Ghana's Oti Region, leading to multiple fatalities and injuries, and prompting a government-imposed curfew. The President of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of the Likpe Traditional Council, Nana Soglo Allorh, has strongly condemned the ongoing conflict, expressing deep concern over the continuous loss of life and destruction of property.

The latest wave of violence saw a deadly attack on Odomi, a farming community, where three people were confirmed dead and nine others sustained gunshot injuries. This incident, which occurred on a Thursday evening, involved unknown assailants and triggered widespread panic. Hospital reports indicated that one victim died while receiving treatment at Nkwanta St. Joseph Catholic Hospital, while two others were brought in already deceased after being attacked on their farms. Retaliatory attacks are reportedly spreading across villages, towns, farms, and bush paths, forcing residents to flee for safety. An earlier incident mentioned a man and his two children reportedly killed on a farm at Keri the day after a crucial meeting.

In response to the protracted conflict, the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, led by Nana Soglo Allorh, had engaged feuding factions in mediation efforts just a week prior to these renewed attacks. The House met and constituted a seven-member committee to investigate the situation and propose sustainable solutions. However, Nana Soglo Allorh lamented the House’s limited capacity to respond effectively, noting that the committee has yet to commence its work due to a severe lack of funds. He highlighted the neglect faced by the Oti Regional House of Chiefs since its creation, which has left it without the necessary resources to discharge its responsibilities.

Following advice from the National Security Council, the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has imposed a curfew on several communities within the Nkwanta South Municipality. The curfew, enacted by Executive Instrument, took effect on Friday, June 19, 2026, and is enforced daily from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The affected areas include Keri, Abrewanko, Abrewanko Junction, Nyambo, Nyambo Junction, Shari, Kromase, Power, Nyakoma, Odomi, Bonakye, and Nkwanta. This measure aims to maintain law and order and address the pressing security concerns in the region.

The government has appealed to chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, youth, and residents of the affected communities to exercise restraint and channel their grievances through peaceful and non-violent means. In conjunction with the curfew, a total ban has been imposed on the possession and carrying of arms, ammunition, and other offensive weapons within these communities. Authorities have warned that any individual found in violation of this ban will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Nana Soglo Allorh further called for urgent, coordinated action by government, security agencies, community leaders, and other stakeholders to restore calm, protect lives and property, and prioritize dialogue to prevent further loss of life and ensure lasting stability in Nkwanta South.