Minority Leader and Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has appealed for calm and restraint following the recent invasion of the New Winneba community and the violence that ensued.
He expressed concern over the loss of lives and injuries sustained during the incident, extending his condolences to bereaved families and wishing those injured a speedy recovery.
In a statement posted on X, Mr Afenyo-Markin commended the Ghana Police Service for its response and efforts to restore order and protect lives and property in the community.
“Continued tension risks further bloodshed, destruction of property and lasting damage to the relationship 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.”
The recent invasion of the New Winneba community and the violence that followed remain deeply troubling. The loss of precious lives and the injuries sustained have 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. I also commend the Ghana Police Service for their prompt response, professional conduct and sustained efforts to restore order and protect lives and property in New Winneba. Continued tension risks further bloodshed, destruction of property and lasting damage to the relationship 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. No piece of land is worth a single human life. For generations, Effutu and Gomoa have lived as neighbours, intermarried and traded with one another. Our ancestors bequeathed us a shared heritage of peace, love and coexistence. Regardless of the historical record and judicial determinations that have consistently affirmed the rightful claim of the Effutu people to the New Winneba lands, the path forward must rest on dialogue, the rule of law and mutual respect. Disputes of this nature are best resolved through the established institutions of the Lands Commission, the courts and structured traditional engagement but never settled through force or confrontation. 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. As a son of both communities, I have a solemn duty to speak with care and measured wisdom. 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. We owe a duty to those who have lost their lives, to those who have been injured and to the generations yet unborn to ensure that this painful incident does not define the future relationship between our two communities. We must learn from this tragedy and do everything within our power to ensure that such violence never happens again. Let us protect our people, respect one another, uphold the rule of law and pursue dialogue in resolving our differences. Together, we can resolve this matter peacefully, uphold justice, preserve our historic bond and secure a prosperous future for our children. May the Almighty comfort the bereaved, heal the wounded and grant us the wisdom to choose peace over conflict. God bless Effutu. God bless Gomoa. God bless our beloved Ghana. -End-
— Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin (@AfenyoMarkin) September 17, 2026
He stressed that the dispute should not be allowed to degenerate into further violence, emphasising the longstanding relationship between the Effutu and Gomoa communities.
“No piece of land is worth a single human life. For generations, Effutu and Gomoa have lived as neighbours, intermarried and traded with one another. Our ancestors bequeathed us a shared heritage of peace, love and coexistence.”
Mr Afenyo-Markin acknowledged the historical and legal dimensions of the land dispute but said any resolution must be pursued through lawful and institutional channels.
“Regardless of the historical record and judicial determinations that have consistently affirmed the rightful claim of the Effutu people to the New Winneba lands, the path forward must rest on dialogue, the rule of law and mutual respect.”
He called for the Lands Commission, the courts and traditional authorities to play their respective roles in resolving the dispute.
“Disputes of this nature are best resolved through the established institutions of the Lands Commission, the courts and structured traditional engagement but never settled through force or confrontation.”
The Effutu MP said the legitimate interests and concerns of both communities must be addressed without either side becoming a victim of violence.
“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.”
Describing himself as “a son of both communities,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said he had a responsibility to approach the situation with caution and wisdom.
“As a son of both communities, I have a solemn duty to speak with care and measured wisdom. 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.”
He urged both sides to learn from the incident and work towards preventing a recurrence.
“We owe a duty to those who have lost their lives, to those who have been injured and to the generations yet unborn to ensure that this painful incident does not define the future relationship between our two communities.”
Mr Afenyo-Markin concluded by calling for peace, justice, mutual respect and dialogue between Effutu and Gomoa.
“Together, we can resolve this matter peacefully, uphold justice, preserve our historic bond and secure a prosperous future for our children.”
He prayed for comfort for the bereaved, healing for the injured and wisdom for all stakeholders to choose peaceful resolution over conflict.
