The family of the late Bonaventure Sei Mireku Danquah has called on President John Mahama to order an independent investigation into his brutal murder in Nkwanta, Oti Region.

In a letter addressed to the President, they described the murder as “gruesome” and expressed their disappointment in the failure of local authorities to prevent it, despite several warnings.

“It is with a heavy heart that I make this request on behalf of my siblings and the entire Royal family of the Guan Akyode Traditional Area for the investigation and prosecution of Nana Amoah (Adele Chief of Nkwanta) and Nana Monfankye (Chief of Dadiase) … for the murder of our brother, Bonaventure Sei Mireku Danquah, and the burning of our three-bedroom, fully furnished house located at Sana Zongo in Nkwanta,” the letter stated.

The family detailed how Bonaventure had reported threats against his life from certain individuals, including Nana Amoah and Jonas Boafo, but was ignored.

“Bonaventure made an official complaint to the police about a threat to his life from these two individuals… as well as a threat to destroy our house,” the letter explained.

Despite these complaints, the attack occurred on 16th January, 2025. “The newly built and furnished three-bedroom self-contained house was set ablaze on Thursday, 16 January 2025, around 8:00 PM, and while attempting to escape, Bonaventure was shot multiple times and killed,” the letter revealed. His body was later found on the premises of a neighbouring house.

The family believes the murder is linked to land disputes, which are contributing to the ethnic conflict in the area.

They pointed to a statement allegedly made by Nana Amoah, who had expressed his disapproval of Bonaventure's presence in the area. "Our prime suspects, on numerous occasions, sent agents (and Mr. Jonas Boafo also went in person) to stop the construction of the wall," the family wrote.

The letter also raised concerns about possible police complicity. “Given the apparent lack of interest shown by the police in addressing the numerous complaints made to their station regarding the threat to Bonaventure’s life and property, we humbly request that the investigation into the matter not be entrusted to the local police or those in the Oti Region,” they wrote.

Instead, the family is calling for an external investigative body, stating, “We respectfully request that the charge office provide a written statement of Bonaventure’s complaints to their station. To uncover the truth and ensure justice for the perpetrators, an external investigative body should be engaged. We are ready and available to assist in investigating this case.”

The family has attached audio recordings and other evidence to support their claims and is urging President Mahama to act swiftly to ensure justice. “We are counting on your swift response to our request,” the letter concluded.

They are also seeking the prosecution of Nana Amoah, the Adele Chief of Nkwanta, and Jonas Boafo, the Amankrado of Dadiase, whom they accuse of being responsible for the killing.

According to the Oti Police Command, the resurgence of the long-standing conflict has claimed around 21 lives since 2023, and over 30 houses have been destroyed as a result.

Read also: Renewed conflict in Nkwanta claims 3 lives in Oti Region