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Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has appealed to residents of Efutu and Gomoa to lay down their differences and work towards restoring peace following a violent land dispute in Ghana’s Central Region that reportedly claimed three lives and left at least 15 others injured.
The violence reportedly erupted in the early hours of Tuesday after armed individuals from Gomoa Oguakrom, Gomoa Pomadze and Gomoa Yenkuadze allegedly attacked residents of New Winneba, a newly developed settlement at the centre of the land dispute.
According to the Ghana Police Service, the attackers are claiming ownership of the land on which the settlement was developed.
The confrontation reportedly resulted in the destruction of several shops and properties belonging to residents, further heightening tensions between the affected communities.
Speaking during a radio broadcast, Afenyo-Markin urged both the Gomoa and Efutu communities to “smoke the peace pipe” and pursue dialogue rather than allow the dispute to escalate further.
He noted that the two groups share longstanding historical and cultural ties, stressing that those bonds should not be undermined by an emerging conflict.
“Efutu and Gomoa were not built on violence,” Afenyo-Markin said, as he called on all parties to embrace dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
The Minority Leader also expressed concern about the timing of the conflict, particularly as the region prepares for the Oguaa Fetu Afahye celebrations.
He warned that if the tensions are not addressed quickly, they could spill over into a broader conflict and potentially disrupt the festivities.
Afenyo-Markin subsequently appealed to residents, traditional authorities and other stakeholders across the Central Region to remain calm and support efforts to resolve the land dispute peacefully.
He emphasised that dialogue, unity and mutual understanding are essential to protecting the longstanding relationship between the people of Gomoa and Efutu and maintaining peace in the region.