The Adele community in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region has dissociated themselves from the recent violent clashes in the area
In turn they have also accused the security forces in the area for allegedly using excessive force against members of the Guan Akyode communities.
According to the opinion leaders of Adele, their people have remained peaceful and uninvolved in the conflict, yet the situation has been worsened by the actions of security personnel.
The Adele leaders insist that the shootings, killings and burning of houses in Akyodes were perpetrated by the security officers and not by the Adeles, Challas or any civilians, as previously speculated.
Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Neat FM, Mr Antwi Vicent, Mr Steven Wonder and Madam Kpolar Margaret, leaders of the Adele community stated that their people have been advised not to link themselves in the ongoing disturbances in the area.
They alleged that the police and military officers have rather taken over the Guan Akyode communities where they are reported to have carried out brutal operations resulting in injuries, fear, and alleged loss of lives.
“The Adele people are not involved in this conflict, a spokesperson emphasized.
We are peace-loving and law-abiding citizens, the leaders indicated.
Adding that it is unfortunate that instead of restoring calm, the security personnel have allegedly been using excessive force in Guan Akyode areas, and causing harm than good.”
The Adele leadership have expressed concern that the security approach has deepened fear and tension among residents instead of de-escalating the situation.
They are therefore calling on the government and security agencies for fruitful intervention.
In a related development the Akyode community is further appealing to H.E President John Dramani Mahama, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to, as a matter of urgency withdraw the police and military from Nkwanta.
They believe that the current security presence is aggravating the crisis rather than resolving it.
According to them, sustainable peace can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue, the involvement of traditional leaders, and a commitment to fairness.
They maintain that military-style of alleged crackdown are inappropriate and risk escalating tensions across the municipality.
Both the Adele and Akyode communities are urging the government to conduct an impartial investigation into the conduct of the security personnel. They are also calling for immediate intervention to protect innocent civilians and to restore peace and trust among the ethnic groups in the area.
