The Municipal Chief Executive of Nkwanta South, Honourable Joseph Antwi Awal, has disclosed that several people linked to disturbances in the municipality have been arrested and are facing legal proceedings. He explained that some suspects remain on remand at Krachi while the authorities continue efforts to identify and apprehend others connected to the unrest.

The ongoing legal process, according to the Municipal Chief Executive, covers cases dating from 2023 to the present as authorities work to restore stability across affected communities. He indicated that the arrests form part of measures to ensure that individuals responsible for acts that disrupt peace are brought before the law.

Addressing the situation, Honourable Awal intimated that the peace process must run alongside lawful action against people who continue to create disturbances. The approach is intended to create an environment where residents can resume their livelihoods and communities can begin rebuilding.

joseph antwi — Honourable Joseph Antwi Awal

The Municipal Chief Executive acknowledged the impact of the disturbances on local development, particularly where houses have been burnt and farms destroyed. Such incidents, he explained, have affected economic activities and placed additional pressure on families whose livelihoods depend heavily on farming.

Additionally, the local administration has placed greater emphasis on peacebuilding as a foundation for restoring economic activity in Nkwanta South. The authorities are also working with traditional groups, community representatives and other stakeholders to support a process that can bring lasting stability.

Honourable Awal therefore linked the enforcement of the law with the wider objective of rebuilding confidence among residents. He intimated that communities require both security and sustained development opportunities to recover fully from the disruption.

The MCE also acknowledged the contribution of the Catholic Bishop of the Jasikan Diocese and other stakeholders involved in the peace process. Their interventions, he explained, have helped bring together representatives from the Adele, Achode and Challa groups at different levels.

The collaborative effort extends from local committees to the Regional Peace Council and national stakeholders. Through these structures, various groups are being encouraged to work collectively towards restoring peace in Nkwanta and its surrounding communities.

The continuing arrests therefore form one part of a wider response involving security, dialogue and community engagement. Honourable Awal indicated that the authorities remain focused on ensuring that peace efforts create the conditions required for development to resume.

Peacebuilding Efforts Target Relief for Displaced Residents

The Municipal Chief Executive of Nkwanta South, Joseph Antwi Awal, also revealed that authorities are pursuing support for residents whose homes and properties were destroyed during disturbances in the municipality. He explained that damage assessments have been compiled from affected communities and submitted through the regional administration to the national level.

The relief process, according to the MCE, is intended to assist vulnerable residents while peacebuilding initiatives continue across the affected areas. He noted that restoring damaged homes would help affected families regain a measure of stability as communities work towards reconciliation.

A key part of the response involves cooperation among local and national institutions. Honourable Awal acknowledged the role of the Catholic Bishop of the Jasikan Diocese, the Regional Peace Council and committees representing the Adele, Achode and Challa groups in advancing dialogue.

He further explained that some members of the various communities living outside the area have also joined the peace effort. Their participation, he intimated, provides an additional channel for building understanding among groups affected by the conflict.

“Some of their lost homes will be also compensated so that the process can go on smoothly for us to get the total peace we want in Nkwanta and its environs.”
Honourable Joseph Antwi Awal

Meanwhile, the administration is following up on the relief package through the Regional Minister, Accra and the National Disaster Management Organisation. The MCE disclosed that further engagement with NADMO headquarters was expected as authorities seek clarity on the progress of the support.

The next phase of the process, he explained, involves another visit to Accra to determine how far the arrangements have advanced. Such engagement is expected to provide a clearer indication of when assistance can reach affected residents.

Addressing the wider development agenda, Honourable Awal linked the restoration of peace to the protection of homes, farms and other sources of livelihood. He noted that continued destruction of property makes it difficult for residents to rebuild their economic lives and for the municipality to attract sustained development.

The peacebuilding process therefore carries both social and economic importance for Nkwanta South. Stable communities, the administration believes, will allow residents to return to productive activities while creating space for government and other stakeholders to invest in development.

In addition, the MCE praised President John Dramani Mahama for the attention being given to Nkwanta and the surrounding communities. He credited the government with pursuing support for affected residents and with creating conditions intended to help development regain momentum.

The administration is consequently urging residents and community leaders to support the peace process as discussions continue. The emphasis remains on protecting lives and property while ensuring that assistance reaches vulnerable households affected by the disturbances.

Honourable Awal also indicated that he would provide further updates once the next round of engagements in Accra produces clearer information. The expected feedback is to keep residents informed about government support and the progress of measures aimed at consolidating peace in Nkwanta South.