Challa Youth Association Call For Peace In Nkwanta

We have called this press conference to express our deep concern and urgent call for immediate action to restore peace and stability in the Nkwanta South Municipality, following the recent disturbances that have disrupted the historically peaceful coexistence among our diverse

communities; and to use this platform to set the records straight.

Background

As many of you are aware, renewed violence has erupted in our dear home which has unfortunately extended to neighbouring communities, following the blatant disregard of a peace agreement signed on June 4, 2025. This agreement, brokered between the Challa, Adele, and Akyode tribes and facilitated by the Oti Regional Minister, Nkwanta South Municipal Chief Executive, and the Regional Security Council clearly prohibited any tribe from celebrating or attempting to celebrate any festival, including the Yam Festival or ritual activities, this year to prevent potential conflict which we have unfortunately witnessed.Despite this clear agreement, the Akyode tribe proceeded with Yam Festival purification rites in the market on Wednesday, 25th June, triggering widespread chaos and violence. The resulting clashes have led to tragic loss of lives, mostly innocent people and a final-year student of Nkwanta SHS. May all departed friends of our community rest in peace. We condemn in no uncertain terms these unfortunate disturbances caused by the Akyodes.

Historically, Nkwanta has been a peaceful and diverse community, with long-standing land disputes between the Challa, Adele, and Akyode tribes which have always been resolved legally. However, since 2021, the Municipal capital has seen a concerning rise in conflicts, coinciding with the emergence of Nana Obonbo, the Paramount Chief of the Akyodes, and his unfortunate appointment to the Oti Land Commission by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia-led NPP government.

A summary of the current incident:

1. The Akyode youth defied direct orders from the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) by proceeding with traditional rites in the market, leading to a confrontation with security forces.

It should be noted that these rites were traditionally performed by the Challa people to welcome the new yam. This year, Challas performed this indoors. The indoor rituals were done in compliance with REGSEC directives because we are a law-abiding tribe, unlike the Akyodes.

2. Following the rituals, the Akyode youths entered the marketplace to intimidate unprovoked female Yam sellers leading to a widespread confrontation at the marketplace. During the confrontation, individuals disguised as police officers, later identified as Akyode youth opened fire on people who mistook them for legitimate security personnel. This resulted in the unfortunate death of Adjeoda Lumba, a Challa gentleman known for his humility and peace loving nature. It is unthinkable that individuals could acquire official uniforms and use them to perpetrate such violence. This needs to be thoroughly investigated to root out such unscrupulous people from the security forces.

3. Security intelligence led the military to the hideouts of armed individuals identified as Akyodes, resulting in a shootout between the security personnel and the armed Akyode youths near the

Nkwanta English and Arabic area. As the armed Akyode Youth fled towards Nkwanta Senior

High School, they continued firing, tragically killing the final-year student.

4. We state without hesitation that the Akyodes have singlehandedly inflicted violence, trauma, and fear on nearly all other ethnic groups in the Nkwanta South Municipality. Victims include Challa, Adele, Basare, Kotokoli, Chokosi, Loso, Kabre, Konkomba including the High School student, a practicing nurse and Ntrubo. We stand in solidarity with the families of all who have lost loved ones due to these atrocities visited upon them by the Akyode people. We also wish all injured individuals a speedy recovery; and call on the government to support the funeral and hospital expenses of all affected people to lessen the burden on their loved ones.

5. These incidents highlight a deeply troubling pattern of aggression and disregard for peace by the Akyode people. It is equally concerning that some members of the Akyode community appear to be shifting blame to other tribes and security forces-the mark of irresponsibility and failing to take responsibilities for their actions. It is instructive to note that it was the Akyodes who followed and shot a young and promising Kotokoli boy near Odomi despite the military presence at Nkwanta. Thank God the young man is alive, but he has unfortunately suffered limb amputation. Please disregard any narrative that states otherwise. Kotokolis from Kue have indicated in no uncertain terms their displeasure over the incident and have issued a stern warning to the Akyodes in this regard. If there were any attack on the Akyode people by any other tribe, it would have been defense.

A brief history of why Akyode’s claim of Nkwanta chieftaincy is unfounded:

1. First, we would like to emphasise that everything said here is backed by official records which can be found from the National House of Chiefs, the Krachi Traditional Council, or court records affirming Challa as rightful custodians of Nkwanta.

2. Challa, Adele, and Akyode are three separate traditional areas with distinct languages and cultures. While our longstanding relationships may have blurred some cultural differences, we worship different idols and observe different dates and seasons for our traditional practices.

3. Until recently, the Challa were responsible for initiating Akyodes into the local priesthood before they could worship their deity. A fact that raises serious questions about claims of indigeneity by the Akyodes.

4. As confirmed in the press conference by the Adele people, the Akyodes historically had no interest in Nkwanta chieftaincy. They have long maintained that the Challas are the custodians of Nkwanta and have served as witnesses in favour of Challa against Adele in a court case concerning Nkwanta land. There has been recent twisting of this fact by the Akyodes again and we would like to set that clear for the umpteenth time. Nana Oberko Agyei, Obombo’s predecessor had attempted to rewrite a false narrative after he admitted that the Akyodes defended Challas in open court because they gave Challas the Nkwanta Land. This was clearly a false narrative and for us Challas we love peace, but we also love facts to remain in the records. Nana Debenu, the Chief Priest of Odomi, summoned Nana Oberko Agyei to court for trying to seed such falsehood into the minds of well-meaning Nkwanta residents. This led to a court fine paid for Challas by Nana Oberko for making such fraudulent claims.

5. Both Akyode and Challa have testified in a competent court of jurisdiction that Nkwanta was founded by a Dagomba man named Kayaba Alidu from Bamani, under the authority of the Challas. After his death, his son Kayaba Ibrahim took charge, and now his successor Issaka Kayaba serves as the current Sereki Zongo.

6. The Challa and Adele people have always resolved differences through civilised and peaceful means, primarily through the courts. The Akyodes have never historically laid claims to the ownership of Nkwanta.

7. When the Akyodes mischievously attempted to outdoor Nana Obombo as the Paramount Chief for the Akyode Traditional Council in Nkwanta, the Paramount Chief of Challa Traditional Area, Nana Kennewu Addo Cheddere II, and his elders protested. The matter was settled at the Krachi Traditional Council.

8. At Krachi, the Challa firmly maintained that the Akyodes could not be allowed to hold such outdooring activities in Nkwanta because they are settlers. Shiare is their home, and they should hold it there. Having pleaded with Nana Kennewu Addo Cheddere II and his elders through Krachiwura, stating that Shiare road was not motorable to receive invited guests, they were granted permission by the Paramount Chief of Challa Traditional Area,Nana Kennewu Addo Cheddere II, and his elders but this time the one-week event was revised to one day as a condition. Indeed, they complied with and reduced the planned one-week event to one day.

9. Subsequently, the Akyodes attempted to secretly install one Akenasen as Nkwanta Chief, contradicting their earlier acknowledgment of Challas as custodians of Nkwanta. At that time, they were told unequivocally that Nkwanta has a recognised chief, Nana Cha-Danso Ababio III, listed in the National Register of Chiefs, and no other person must use the title “Nkwantahene”

Or “Nkwantawura” or any such variant that will suggest chief of Nkwanta. 10. The Akyode Paramount Chief, Nana Obombo, and Nana Angyi Mamine, who were both present at the meeting, agreed to change their invitation cards and any inscription bearing “Nkwanta Wura” as ordered by the Security Council. The Akyode complied and directed the two radio stations in Nkwanta to air a revised advert renaming the said Akenasen as a Headman with the title “Ntentan Hene of Akyode”.

11. The Challas allowed this in principle, given that all other settlers have their headmen in Nkwanta, and so Akyode could also have a headman if they desire.

12. In 2018, the Akyodes attempted to host their council office in Nkwanta. The Challas vehemently opposed it by petitioning the Minister for Chieftaincy Affairs in Accra, which led to the Akyodes relocating their council office to its rightful place Shiare.

As a peaceful tribe, we will continue to call for a ceasefire—but our ceasefire should not be mistaken for weakness. To restore lasting peace and prevent future conflict,

we, the people of Challa, propose the following urgent measures:

1. First, we would like to commend the current Regional Minister, the Member of Parliament for Nkwanta South, Honorable Geoffrey Kini, Nkwanta South Municipal Chief Executive, former Regional Minister, Mr. Machetor and the security services for their commitment to restoring calm in Nkwanta. If we had witnessed such commitments from previous MCEs, this issue would not have degenerated into the loss of lives today. That said, there is still much to be done.

2. A thorough investigation into Nana Obombo’s role that led to the violation of the peace agreement and the ensuing violence.

3. All individuals arrested with weapons, including those previously released, must be prosecuted to end impunity and ensure justice. It is known that the former MCE of Nkwanta, Mr. Bright Lenwah’s personal driver, was involved and has been repeatedly arrested and released due to political ties. He and his accomplices, including the former MCE, should be arrested and investigated.

4. A neutral committee comprising members of Parliament, national security personnel, traditional leaders from outside the conflict zone, and human rights observers should be established to conduct an impartial investigation. 5. Military and police presence must be reinforced with a clear mandate to protect all civilians, including students and market women, regardless of tribal affiliation. The National Security Minister and Minister of Defence should consider establishing a permanent military outpost in Nkwanta to guarantee lasting peace.

6. The REGSEC directive should remain enforced until complete calm is restored and closely monitored.

7. We call on the Government of Ghana, Parliamentary leadership, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to intervene swiftly and decisively to implement these measures and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in the Nkwanta South Municipality.

In conclusion, we, the Challa Youth Association, reaffirm our commitment to peace, lawful conduct, and community unity. But peace cannot thrive where lawlessness is rewarded, and impunity goes unchecked.

We thank you all; members of the press, security agencies, traditional authorities, and concerned residents for your time and support. May peace and justice prevail in Nkwanta.