Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has urged the people of Effutu and Gomoa to turn the deadly New Winneba violence into a lesson for lasting peace. In a statement issued after the clashes in the Central Region, he mourned the dead, commended the police and appealed for restraint on all sides.
The lawmaker grounded his appeal in the fear that fresh tension could spark more bloodshed and permanently scar relations between the two neighbouring peoples. “We must learn from this tragedy and do everything within our power to ensure that such violence never happens again,” he stated.
The clashes broke out on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, when roughly 300 people from Gomoa Oguakrom, Gomoa Yenkuadze and Gomoa Pomadze, reportedly carrying guns, stones, cutlasses and sticks, entered the New Winneba Township at about 10:40 a.m.
Police say the group attacked residents and damaged shops, stores and other property belonging to people in the community. Chief Inspector Isaac Evans Ettie, Public Affairs Officer of the Central Regional Police Command, linked the violence to a longstanding land dispute, confirmed three deaths and 17 injuries, and announced seven arrests.
A police officer stationed at New Winneba was among the injured and received treatment at the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba. Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno later sent reinforcements from the National Police Headquarters, backed by two armoured vehicles.
Afenyo-Markin Mourns Victims of New Winneba Clashes
The Minority Leader described the attack as deeply troubling and said the deaths and injuries had brought pain to families and communities. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish all those who sustained injuries a speedy and full recovery,” he said.
He also praised the Ghana Police Service for what he called their “prompt response, professional conduct and sustained efforts to restore order and protect lives and property in New Winneba.”
Hon Afenyo-Markin warned that continued tension could lead to further destruction of property and lasting damage to the bond between Effutu and Gomoa. “At this difficult moment, what we need most is calm and restraint. I appeal to all sides, particularly the youth, to refrain from any action that could further escalate the situation,” he said.
He reminded both communities that they have lived side by side for generations, marrying into each other’s families and trading together, and that their ancestors left them a shared heritage of peace and coexistence. “No piece of land is worth a single human life,” he declared.
Effutu Gomoa Land Dispute Belongs in the Courts
Afenyo-Markin maintained that history and judicial rulings have consistently affirmed Effutu’s claim to the New Winneba lands, yet he insisted that such a claim gives no room for force. He pointed to the Lands Commission, the courts, and structured traditional engagement as the proper channels for settling the matter.
“Effutu’s legitimate interests must be protected. Gomoa’s legitimate concerns must be heard. But neither should be allowed to become a victim of violence,” he stated. Describing himself as a son of both Effutu and Gomoa, the Minority Leader said he carries a solemn duty to choose his words with care.
“In moments like this, every word must serve the greater purpose of safeguarding lives, restoring calm and creating the space for the concerns of both communities to be addressed with dignity”.
Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin
He argued that the two peoples owe a duty to the dead, the injured and generations yet unborn to ensure the incident does not define their future.
He called on residents to protect one another, respect the rule of law and resolve their differences through dialogue, expressing confidence that the matter can be settled peacefully while justice is upheld and the historic bond preserved.
“May the Almighty comfort the bereaved, heal the wounded and grant us the wisdom to choose peace over conflict,” he prayed, before invoking God’s blessing on Effutu, Gomoa and Ghana.
Security Presence Continues in New Winneba
Police say the situation is now under control, with officers remaining in the affected communities to prevent further trouble. Afenyo-Markin’s statement adds a senior national voice to earlier pleas from local leaders, including Effutu Municipal Chief Executive Rev. Arthur Mensah and Gomoa Central District Chief Executive Hackman Aidoo, who both called for calm after the attack.
For residents still counting their losses, the task ahead is to keep the peace long enough for the courts and traditional authorities to finish the work that violence cannot
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