Security analyst Victor Doke is calling on national and local authorities to identify the individuals fuelling the protracted tribal conflict at Nkwanta in the Oti Region and engage them directly in meaningful dialogue aimed at lasting peace.

Speaking on Joy News’ News Desk on Monday, Mr Doke stressed the importance of confronting the root causes of the unrest, which resurfaced on 26th June and has so far claimed four lives.

Among the deceased is a final-year student of Nkwanta Senior High School, who was reportedly hit by a stray bullet while sitting for his mock examination.

Mr Doke warned that the continued loss of lives, economic stagnation, and displacement caused by the conflict are taking a toll on both the immediate community and the nation as a whole.

"We need to identify those who are supporting the factions and are not doing any good. What about we identify them and involve them in a dialogue, and then also make them understand that their support for the factions is not helping the situation? Let us get the stakeholders together and address the situation once and for all."

"You have schools closed; you have various amenities closed, which are not helping anyone," he added.

The latest bout of violence in Nkwanta is the latest in a series of clashes rooted in unresolved chieftaincy and land disputes among ethnic groups in the area.

Mr Doke urged government agencies, the Regional Security Council, and peacebuilding organisations to move beyond reactive measures and invest in sustained community engagement.

Security has since been heightened in the area, and the Ghana Education Service has closed Nkwanta SHS temporarily for the safety of students and staff. Authorities say investigations are ongoing, while efforts to calm tensions are being intensified.