Alavanyo/Nkonya Conflict; third mediation attempts begin

Efforts to broker lasting peace between the people of Alavanyo and Nkonya traditional areas has been reactivated by the Vice President, Kwesi Amissah-Arthur on Friday at a meeting held at Kpando with leaders of both communities and witnessed by the Paramount Chief of Akpini (Kpando) traditional area Togbe Dagadu VIII.

The meeting is the third attempt by government to broker peace between the two disputing communities in the decades old conflict over a disputed land.

In December last year, there were renewed clashes following gunshots that left one person dead. The violence in the two communities has persisted for years despite several mediation attempts.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur, who expressed unhappiness over the protracted conflict, warned the feuding factions that government will no longer tolerate the continuous violence being perpetrated in the area.

He said the cycle of retaliation must end, as it was affecting the local economy of the area since, whiles the cost of the conflict is also getting higher since government has to spend lots of money in maintaining the police and the military there for peacekeeping.

“Our generation must decide that these things must come to an end. Our generation must secure the future.”

On her part, Volta Regional Minister, Helen Ntonso, regretted that the people had made empty the apology she earlier rendered on their behalf to President John Dramani Mahama.

She therefore urged them to go beyond the assurances and in the mediation process volunteer information that would bring permanent solution to the problem.

The Paramount Chief of Alavanyo traditional area, Togbe Tsedze Atakora VII disclosed that there was no land litigation between the Alavanyo and Nkonya traditional areas.

According to him, the land litigation was rather between some individuals from Nkonya-Tayi and Alavanyo-Kpeme.

An issue, he said has escalated over the years, causing other peaceful areas which were not involved in the litigation to be drawn into it. He however expressed his side’s readiness to cooperate with the latest mediation process.  

The Ankobeahene of Nkonya Ahenkro Traditional Area, Nanai Ampem Darko III, asked the authorities to separate the land dispute from the criminalities that have been perpetrated and investigate in other matters emerging from the conflict.

Togbe Dagadu VIII, Paramount Chief of Akpini (Kpando) Traditional area who is leading the latest mediation efforts said various interest groups in both traditional areas will be engaged in frank discussions so that lasting peace could be achieved in the shortest possible time.

Other people who accompanied the Vice President to the meeting include Mr Yaw Donkor, the National Security Co-ordinator, Mr Mohammed Alhassan, Inspector General of Police and Brigadier General Adeti, General Officer Commanding the Southern Command of the Ghana Armed Forces.

The delegation later visited the two traditional areas which are currently under a 14 hour curfew and interacted with the security personnel who are on peace keeping duty there.

Vice President also hinted of government’s intention to establish a permanent military base on the border of the two traditional areas.