Nkonya, Alavanyo residents disregard curfew

The police and military stationed at Nkonya and Alavanyo are having a hard time maintaining law and order in the two feuding towns.

This is because some residents of the two towns have refused to respect the 14 hour curfew imposed by the Interior Ministry.

The last month has seen several shooting incidents which has led to deaths. The violence is attributed in part to the 90-year-old land dispute between Nkonya and Alavanyo.

Chief Superintendent Joseph Antwi-Gyawu, Hohoe Divisional Commander of the Ghana Police Service told Joy News residents are refusing to observe the curfew because they claimed they are being attacked even under the curfew.

He however assured that the police has men there who “are on top” of issues in the two communities.

He said the recent incidents happened in the outskirts of town when people are going to their farms, saying it would be practically impossible to provide security to every resident.

The Paramount Chief of Alavanyo, Togbega Tsedze Atakora told Joy News the Alavanyo people have adhered to the peace pact but remain worst affected with two deaths, whilst others have been injured.

When Joy News contacted the Nkonya traditional authorities they declined comment on the situation for now.

Nonetheless, Deputy Interior Minister, James Agalga said the recent breach of curfew is yet to come to the attention of the Interior Ministry.

He said as soon as they receive report and advice from the Regional Security Council, a consultation would be held with stakeholders to take a decision on what step to take.                                                   

On his part, the Chairman of the National Peace Council, Most Rev. Emmanuel Asante says the council is unhappy at the current state of affairs but remains optimistic that a resolution can be reached.

He cautioned the two communities against taking entrenched positions, adding that it is time they came together and assessed the impact of their actions on development process.