NADMO activates relief response as security reinforced at New Winneba after deadly clash; six arrested

The Central Regional Disaster Management Committee has activated emergency security, humanitarian and disaster response measures following a violent communal clash at New Winneba that left three people dead and several others injured.

The response, led by the Central Regional Minister, Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere, includes the deployment of additional police personnel, specialised national security reinforcements and two armoured vehicles to restore calm and protect residents in the township, which lies along the Winneba-Swedru highway.

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has also deployed field teams to assess the extent of displacement, property damage and the immediate relief needs of affected residents.

In a statement, the Central Regional Director of NADMO, Emmanuel Kwesi Dawood, said the teams were registering displaced persons, assessing damaged homes and public facilities and working with health and security agencies to identify urgent needs.

He said the priority areas included the provision of temporary shelter, food, water and medical assistance to affected persons.

“NADMO is providing psychological support to affected families and to victims undergoing treatment at the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba,” the statement said.

The organisation is also collaborating with the Regional Security Council, district authorities and local assembly members to arrange temporary shelters and safe havens, coordinate relief distribution and maintain community safety.

According to NADMO, the emergency assessment is intended to facilitate a rapid and evidence-based response, prevent secondary public health risks and provide reliable data for targeted humanitarian assistance and recovery planning.

The agency said the initial assessments would also inform decisions on resource allocation and longer-term rehabilitation support for affected families.

The violence occurred on Tuesday, September 1, when an estimated 300 people allegedly armed with guns, cutlasses, stones and sticks stormed New Winneba.

The group was reportedly from Gomoa Oguakrom, Gomoa Yenkuadze and Gomoa Pomadze. Several shops, homes and other properties were damaged during the attack.

About 15 people, including a police officer, sustained injuries and were taken to the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba for treatment. Three people were subsequently confirmed dead.

Preliminary reports have linked the violence to an escalating land dispute between the communities.

The police have since arrested six people in connection with the incident and retrieved a locally manufactured single-barrel gun and an empty AAA cartridge from the scene.

The suspects have been identified as 52-year-old Kweku Kakraba; 19-year-olds Arko Thomas and Samuel Tulasi; and 22-year-olds Samuel Gyasi, Emmanuel Okyere and Seth Osei.

Security agencies have intensified operations in the area as authorities work to prevent further violence and establish the circumstances surrounding the clash.