By King Amoah
Nkwanta South, Oti Region
A cloud of accusations hangs heavy over the Nkwanta South Constituency with the Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyarpong and the Member of Parliament for the Constituency on the Ndc ticket Hon. Geoffrey Kini facing allegations of promoting violence rather than leveraging their positions to foster peace and economic development.
The heart of the controversy lies in a long standing land disputes and ethnic tensions between two factions, the Kokomba Group and Akyode faction.
For years these groups have been embroiled in conflicts that have tragically claimed innocent lives as a result of a deeply entrenched land grievances.
Compounding the situation are the alleged political affiliations of these factions with the Kokomba Group reportedly aligned with the Ndc and the Akyode group with the Npp.
Sources indicate that the Kokomba group currently occupies land belonging to the Akyode group that added to another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation.
Despite the recurring clashes a recent turning point appeared to be on the horizon.
The Kokomba group, seemingly recognizing the futility of their ongoing disputes initiated overtures for peace and expressed their desire to smoke pipe and settle their differences with the Akyodes.
In a positive development the Akyode group welcomed this initiative and proposed a ritualistic offer of four sheep as a customary act to seal the reconciliation.
However this peace effort was allegedly brought to a jarring halt.
According to reports, as the Kokomba group were en route to the Akyode land with the sheep for the peace settlement they were allegedly intercepted by the Regional Minister Hon John. Kwadwo Gyarpong arpong.
Further allegations suggest that the Minister then instructed the District Police Commander to intervene ostensibly to involve authorities in the matter.
Members of the stressed Kokomba group have their dismay and anger over the Minister’s actions viewing them as a direct and unnecessary interference.
They insist that their collective decision to pursue peace independently has been undermined.
If the Minister and his supposed authorities have any magic wand to promote peace and stability among us why now but looking on whilst innocent souls are lost every now and then? one member
questioned.
Mr. Peter Natasa the National President of the Akyode Youth Association in an interview with the Correspondent echoed concerns about the politicization of the conflict.
He stated that the Akyode group being peace loving citizens hence they welcomed the Kokomba group’s initiative for settlement.
However, he expressed suspicion that the current events indicate a politicization of their issues, particularly given that approximately 80% of the Kokomba group are reportedly Ndc supporters.
The alleged interference has had a dire consequences.
Following the foiled peace talks reports indicate that some members of the Akyode group were shot resulting in the death of one Amoah from Keri village and his father who is currently receiving medical treatment for his gunshot wounds.
Additionally a shopkeeper in Keri village was allegedly subjected to severe stress leading to the destruction of his shop’s goods.
That was not all a 67 year old lady Madam Rebecca Agjdesa and other lady Madam Agyartha Agjdesa 47,who were also forcefully arrested and tortured during a gun shots at Akyode are receiving medical treatment.
Adding to the escalating tension, reports further suggest that those individuals identified as the trouble causers from the Kokomba group and arrested in connection with these incidents were reportedly released shortly thereafter by the Member of Parliament Hon. Geoffrey Kini, who has vehemently denied any involvement in wrongdoing.
In the light of these deep concerning developments Mr. Natasa has issued an urgent appeal to the Inspector General of Police and other security agencies calling for their immediate intervention to de escalate the violence before it spirals into an uncontrollable crisis.
.The situation in Nkwanta South remains tense, with calls for transparency and accountability growing louder.
Stay tuned.
Attached picturesRM Gyaarpong!/ Mp Geoffrey Kini and the tortured women.
