Two people have been shot dead at Keri, a farming community in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region, in an incident believed to be linked to the protracted dispute over the ownership of the Nkwanta township. 

The deceased have been identified as Asunke Joseph and Anasechor Bob. 

Information available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) indicates that the late Asunke had recently relocated to Dambai in the Krachi East Municipality due to ongoing tensions in the area.  

He reportedly returned to Keri to harvest his yams when the attack occurred. 

Residents told the GNA that the shooting took place late Sunday evening, sending shockwaves through the community and forcing many inhabitants to flee their homes for safety. 

Madam Juliana Awasan, the Assemblywoman of Keri North Electoral Area, confirmed the incident to the GNA but declined to provide further details. 

The longstanding dispute over the ownership of Nkwanta township involves three ethnic groups and has, over the years, led to intermittent violent clashes, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of property. 

A resident of Keri, who spoke to the GNA on condition of anonymity, expressed disappointment over the development, saying members of the feuding factions had recently participated in a Peace Walk, aimed at fostering unity and promoting lasting peace in the municipality. 

“Participating in the Peace Walk was just a camouflage, as people have their own agenda,” the resident alleged. 

The resident questioned whether lasting peace could be achieved in the Nkwanta South area under the current circumstances and appealed to the Government to intensify its intervention efforts to restore calm. 

Some residents had called for increased security presence in Keri and the surrounding communities to prevent further escalation of violence. 

Meanwhile, security sources in the municipality confirmed the incident and said investigations were underway to apprehend the perpetrators. 

The Municipal Security Council is expected to meet to assess the situation and outline measures to prevent reprisal attacks. 

The Oti Regional Police Command has urged residents to remain calm and to volunteer credible information to assist in ongoing investigations. 

Security officials say the situation in Keri remains tense but under control.