'No piece of land is worth single human life' – Afenyo-Markin calls for peace after New Winneba violence

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has appealed to the Effutu and Gomoa communities to de-escalate tensions surrounding the New Winneba land dispute and pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue and lawful processes.

His appeal follows violence in New Winneba that left three people dead and 17 others injured, including a police officer.

The incident reportedly involved a group of about 300 people from Gomoa Oguakrom, Gomoa Yenkuadze and Gomoa Pomadze, who allegedly entered New Winneba armed with guns, stones, cutlasses and sticks. Shops, stores and homes were vandalised, while the Effutu North District Police Headquarters was also attacked.

Mr Afenyo-Markin warned that allowing tensions to persist could result in further loss of lives and destruction of property.

“What we need most is calm and restraint. I appeal to all sides, particularly the youth, to refrain from any action that could further escalate the situation,” he said.

He said the longstanding land dispute should be pursued through the Lands Commission, the courts and structured traditional engagements rather than through confrontation.

“No piece of land is worth a single human life,” Afenyo-Markin said.

The Minority Leader stressed that the concerns of both communities needed to be recognised as efforts were made to settle the dispute.

“Effutu’s legitimate interests must be protected. Gomoa’s legitimate concerns must be heard. But neither should be allowed to become a victim of violence,” he said.

He also urged residents to preserve the longstanding ties between the Effutu and Gomoa communities, noting that they had coexisted as neighbours, intermarried and traded with one another for generations.

According to him, the recent violence should not be allowed to determine the future relationship between the two communities.

“We must learn from this tragedy and do everything within our power to ensure that such violence never happens again,” he said.