The Chief of the Nkwanta Akyode Traditional Area, Nana Sago Akiaasen I, is demanding swift and thorough investigations into the renewed violent clashes that have claimed the lives of three students of Nkwanta Senior High School (SHS).
Nana Sago has appealed to President John Mahama and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to urgently ensure that justice is served on behalf of the victims.
“It is deeply disturbing that our children—our future—were gunned down while in a place of learning,” Nana Sago Akiaasen I said. “We are calling on President Mahama and the IGP to act quickly. Justice delayed is justice denied,” he stated at a press conference.
The chief expressed concern over reports suggesting that some civilians were masquerading as soldiers, contributing to the chaos and fear gripping the municipality.
“These impersonators are not only tarnishing the image of our security forces but are also fueling mistrust and division among the people,” he added.
Responding to claims circulating on social media and in parts of the press that Akyode youth were involved in the attacks, Nana Akiaasen strongly refuted the allegations.
“The Akyode people are peace-loving. We have never endorsed violence. We were in the Nkwanta market only to perform a traditional libation ceremony, which is part of our customary rite for the new yam season,” he clarified.
He emphasized that there was no yam festival celebration, noting that the Akyode Traditional Council had already joined other local communities in a collective decision to suspend all festivals due to the volatile security situation in the region.
“It is important to state clearly: we are not celebrating—we are mourning. This is not a time for festivals, but for national reflection and justice,” Nana Akiaasen stated solemnly.
In his appeal, the Chief called for calm and urged residents to refrain from retaliation or further unrest.
“Peace is our only path forward. I call on all factions, regardless of ethnicity or affiliation, to remain calm and allow the security agencies to do their work. But they must act—and act now.”
Nana Akiaasen concluded his address with a call to national leadership to prioritize peacebuilding and justice.
ALSO READ: