Thirty-eight organised labour unions, professional associations, and worker groups in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region have issued a 30-day ultimatum to the government to take clear and measurable steps to end the area’s protracted conflict or face a total shutdown of public and essential services as workers “lay down their tools.”
The groups, speaking for workers across key sectors, described the conflict as a recurring crisis that has claimed lives, destroyed property, displaced families, disrupted economic activity, and weakened essential public services over several years.
At a press conference, spokesperson Edward Yeboah said recent incidents have further worsened insecurity, resulting in deaths and injuries, repeated school closures, and the relocation of teachers and other professionals who fear for their safety.
While acknowledging government efforts so far, he insisted that the situation now calls for firmer and more decisive action to prevent further deterioration.
According to the unions, the immediate effects of the conflict are being felt across nearly every aspect of daily life, including persistent threats to life—particularly for students, women, and workers—as well as the breakdown of regular schooling and business activities.
They also cited unsafe working conditions for public sector employees and other essential service providers, growing fear and mistrust among communities, and rising displacement.
Their petition referenced displacement figures of more than 353 households and over 764 individuals as of February 2026, warning that the situation is fuelling psychological trauma, social instability, and long-term disruption to community life.
The unions further noted that development projects and investment have stalled, while resources that could have supported local development are repeatedly being redirected into security operations.
Demands to Government
The unions are calling on government to urgently:
- Establish a comprehensive and permanent conflict-resolution framework involving traditional authorities, community leaders, youth groups, security agencies, and other key stakeholders.
- Strengthen security presence and intelligence gathering to prevent further violence and protect lives and property.
- Facilitate a lasting settlement of the underlying issues through dialogue, mediation, and lawful processes.
- Roll out a long-term peacebuilding and social cohesion programme for Nkwanta and surrounding communities.
- Consider establishing permanent security infrastructure in the municipality to ensure sustained stability.
They cautioned that the worsening security environment is making it increasingly difficult for workers to carry out their duties safely and effectively.
The unions warned that if government fails to demonstrate concrete progress within 30 days of receiving the petition, organised labour in Nkwanta South will embark on a total withdrawal of services until conditions improve.
Residents also used the occasion to appeal for a review of the curfew, which currently runs from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., arguing that it is affecting livelihoods.
Some said the evening hours are often the only time they can sell and earn enough to support their families, stressing that poverty is worsening and that lasting peace remains the only sustainable solution.
In addition, persons with disabilities in the municipality appealed for support, noting that they remain particularly vulnerable during periods of unrest and face additional barriers to safety and economic survival.
Overall, the unions and residents renewed calls for urgent government intervention, warning that without a credible pathway to peace, the municipality risks further loss of life, deeper displacement, and the collapse of already strained public services.
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