One person is confirmed dead while 15 others have sustained gunshot wounds in a clash between neighboring towns of Drobo and Japekrom in the Brong Ahafo Region. 

The deceased, a native of Japekrom was among several others returning from a festival when they were attacked by irate youth of Drobo. 

Public Relations Officer for the Brong Ahafo Regional Police Command, Chief Inspector Augustine Kingsley Oppong, told Joy News the clashes may have arisen from a long-standing land litigation between the two towns.  

He said that so far, no arrest has been made.

“The police cannot arrest discriminatorily and thus have begun investigations into the matter,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the command has deployed more personnel to the area to forestall reoccurrence as they investigate to arrest the perpetrators.

Background

According to media reports, in early 2000 the towns, described as traditional enemies, had their relations worsened after the Sunyani High Court gave a ruling in a land dispute.

The court ruled that the matter be referred to the Stool Lands Boundary Demarcation Committee, which is the body empowered with jurisdiction over the matter.

The chief and people of Japekrom regarded the High Court’s decision as a victory and jubilated in the town, a situation which nearly led to a clash between the two towns just after the ruling.

Reports stated that during a communal labour the people of Japekrom allegedly “strayed” into Drobo territory to destroy some farms, the people of Drobo saw it as an opportunity to strike back in full force.

According to sources, a large number of armed youth from Drobo then massed up and decided to march to the palace at Japekrom.

As the youth from Drobo fired gunshots, the people from Japekrom also massed up and returned the fire, sending the whole area into a state of panic.

This led to the arrest of 40 people in connection with the communal violence.