The Adele Union in Accra has appealed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to dismiss the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Nkwanta along with the Acting Oti Regional Police Commander for their alleged complacency in the Nkwanta clash that resulted in fatalities.
They also called for the arrest of individuals involved in the violence. They have been captured on video taunting security agencies before the incident.
According to the Union, if these two state officeholders in Nkwanta, ACP Acquah, and Bright Lenwah, had heeded warnings and stopped the Akyode group from celebrating the yam festival, they would have averted the violence.
The Union denounced attempts to introduce political undertones to the clashes. It described them as total falsehoods that smear almost every community aspect with the same sentiments.
They claim this makes it difficult for state actors to reason logically and make decisions in the interest of Nkwanta and its people.
During a media address on Saturday, December 9, at the Press Center, the spokesperson of the Adele Union Steven Wonder Obour chronicled the events leading up to the clashes in November.
He mentioned that the Akyodes circulated flyers announcing the celebration of their yam festival, which had a history of turning violent.
The Adele and Challa tribes petitioned the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC), resulting in an order for the Akyodes to abandon the planned celebration.
The Regional Security Council (REGSEC) also called all factions to a meeting and directed them to stop the festival.
Obour claimed that MCE Bright Lenwah clandestinely wrote a letter granting the Akyodes permission to proceed with the celebration, which escalated into the observed violence.
The Adeles and Challas opposed the celebration and petitioned the Chief of Staff, IGP, Interior Minister, and the National Security Minister, citing undertones of the Akyodes celebrating the yam festival as a subtle attempt to assert ownership claims over Nkwanta lands.
Obour stated, “Previous celebrations have always been marred by violence, including killing of people, maiming, and destruction of property.”
“The Adeles vehemently opposed the 2023 celebration because some victims of the previous year’s violence were still in the mortuary at the time of the intended celebration.”
The Union recommended retaining the curfew and security personnel in the area for some time.
He emphasized that the Adeles are a peace-loving ethnic group with a sincere desire for a peaceful, just, and united community in Nkwanta.
Obour stressed that resolving the land disputes and addressing past grievances is crucial for fostering cooperation among residents in Nkwanta South.