Thousands of residents in the Protor community in the Brong Ahafo Region have abandoned their homes following renewed chieftaincy clashes in the area.

The Protor community which is home to over 3,000 residents is now a ghost town with only about 40 people left.

One person was killed in a gun battle between two factions in a chieftaincy dispute in the community last week.

Eight houses were burnt when an age old chieftaincy dispute was reignited with the return of a chief of one of the feuding factions.

Residents fear what started as a misunderstanding between the two sides may degenerate into a full blown battle in the area.

Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Kintampo North, Michael Baffoe, said the residents have fled the town over fears of being killed.

“They have nearby communities so the moment it starts, they just rushed to the various nearby communities, and so as we speak now, some of them are at Kadirisu others are at Golompe.

“A town of about 3,000 people has only 40 people left, the town is virtually a ghost town,” he added.

He said security has been beefed in the area to ensure safety of residents.

Meanwhile, the chief and five elders of one of the feuding factions are being detained at the Sunyani Regional Police Command.