Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, says a growing land dispute appears to be behind the recent killings and rising tensions in Nkwanta and its surrounding communities, warning that competing claims of ownership are fuelling unrest in the area.

Speaking on AM Show on Friday, March 27, Mr Gyapong indicated that the conflict is increasingly taking on the character of a land struggle, with certain groups asserting exclusive ownership of Nkwanta and its environments.

According to him, some factions believe the area rightfully belongs to them and are determined to assert control, a situation he says is undermining peace in the community.

He further noted that narratives around the first settlement and traditional authority are being used to justify such claims.

“I hear some groups say they were the first to settle there and therefore own the land, even pointing to the existence of a paramount chief as justification, while others do not have one,” he explained.

Mr Gyapong stressed that these developments create a strong impression that the underlying issue is about land ownership and identity.

On the security front, he revealed that no arrests have been made in connection with the recent incidents.

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He, however, disclosed that two women were initially picked up by security agencies following intelligence that they were allegedly planning to supply food to individuals linked to the violence.

The two were later released, and as it stands, no suspects have been apprehended.