Land dispute violence in Penteng leaves landguard critically injured, house burnt
A violent clash linked to a long-standing land dispute has plunged Penteng in the Afigya Kwabre North District of the Ashanti Region into turmoil, leaving a landguard critically injured and a house destroyed in a retaliatory attack.
Residents say the incident reflects rising tensions over disputed lands in the area, where the re-emergence of landguards has heightened fear and uncertainty among community members.
The latest confrontation reportedly began when a resident identified as Macho proceeded with a building project on land near his family home despite repeated warnings to stop.
Confirming the development, Assembly Member for the Penteng Electoral Area, Vincent Yormedor, who represents Penteng, Patase and Pampatia, disclosed that the individual had previously seen his structure at nearby Patase demolished on three occasions by suspected landguards.
He explained that on Monday, March 30, three landguards returned to the site, where the building had reached lintel level, and pulled it down once again.
Mr Yormedor, who also serves as National Coordinating Secretary for the Ghana Association of Elected Assembly Members, said the resident later confronted the group to demand an explanation, leading to a heated exchange.
During the confrontation, the landguards allegedly assaulted him, leaving him injured and bleeding from the mouth and nose.
The situation escalated further when the resident reportedly returned home, armed himself with a machete, and went back to the site.
Two of the landguards fled upon sensing danger, leaving one behind who reportedly attempted to stand his ground.
In the ensuing struggle, the resident is said to have overpowered the landguard and inflicted severe injuries, including severing his left hand and causing deep wounds to other parts of his body.
Personnel from the Kodie District Police Command responded to the scene and transported the injured man, together with the severed hand, to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, where he remains in critical condition.
In what is believed to be a reprisal attack, other landguards later stormed the resident’s home and set his family house on fire, causing extensive damage.
Mr Yormedor has appealed to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to intervene and help resolve the protracted land disputes affecting Penteng, Patase and Pampatia. He warned that the situation is fueling fear and panic while hindering development in the area.
He added that although landguard activities had reduced in recent times, the latest incident signals a worrying resurgence.
As of the time of filing this report, no arrests had been made, with residents calling for urgent security intervention to restore calm in the community.