A resurgence of violence tied to a long-standing chieftaincy dispute in Agona Abodom, within the Agona West Municipality of the Central Region, has left four people dead and at least ten others seriously injured, according to local reports.
The unrest erupted during the community’s Akwanbo Festival celebrations, when a group identified as alleged land guards stormed the town, targeting residents amid the ongoing chieftaincy conflict. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers vandalised property—including two vehicles and furnishings at the chief’s palace—before violence escalated, resulting in multiple fatalities. Witness Kwame Arhin initially reported three deaths; authorities later confirmed the toll had risen to four.
Context of the Conflict
Agona Abodom is a farming community historically troubled by disputes over traditional leadership. Despite efforts this year to install a new chief aimed at resolving the impasse, tensions have resurged.
“The security situation is getting out of hand. We urgently need more personnel to maintain peace and order,” warned Alex Donkor, the Assembly Member for Agona Abodom electoral area.
Residents are calling for urgent intervention by both the police and the military to restore calm and enhance safety in the town.
Immediate Consequences
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Four confirmed fatalities among community members;
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At least ten critically injured, many of whom are receiving treatment at local health facilities;
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Property damage within the chief’s palace and surrounding areas.
The violent episode underscores the fragility of recent attempts to resolve the chieftaincy dispute, despite previous installations intended to stabilise leadership.
Broader Landscape of Chieftaincy Disputes
Ghana has seen several similar conflicts in recent months. In the Central Region, a separate dispute at Gomoa Obuasi left six injured during a meeting between royal family members, with property damage and palace area vandalism reported.
Meanwhile, in the northeast, escalating tension between the Mamprusi and Kusasi ethnic groups over the chieftaincy of Bawku prompted the deployment of additional soldiers and the imposition of curfews by the government to regain control.
Calls for Action
Local leaders and traditional authorities in Agona Abodom have urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to expedite deployment of more security personnel to the area. With fears of further reprisal attacks, community members have urged calm while stressing the need for a swift resolution.
Without effective intervention and mediation, there is concern that the conflict could escalate further, disrupting the already fragile social and economic functioning of the region.
My News Ghana is monitoring developments closely and will provide updates as the situation evolve.
Source – My News Ghana
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