A coalition of workers and residents in Nkwanta South has given government a 30-day ultimatum to resolve the area’s prolonged conflict or face shutdowns.
The group, describing itself as a workers and labour union comprising government workers, self-employed persons, transport operators, farmers, market women and business owners, says the prolonged insecurity has made life unbearable and disrupted all aspects of socio-economic activity.
At a press conference, one of the conveners of the Nkwanta Concerned Workers Movement, Edward Yeboah, said the petition has been directed to the President, the Minister for the Interior, the Minister for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Oti Regional Minister, the Member of Parliament for the area and the Municipal Chief Executive.
He warned that if authorities fail to restore peace within the stipulated period, workers would be forced to lay down their tools in protest.
According to the group, the persistent conflict has severely affected livelihoods, trade, transportation and farming activities, plunging the municipality into prolonged hardship.
Another convener, Kofi Amoako, questioned the effectiveness of the curfew imposed on the area, arguing that it has failed to curb violence. He noted that although a curfew has been in place since the outbreak of the conflict about four years ago, incidents of violence and killings have continued even during daytime hours.
“The curfew is not serving its intended purpose. Even though government imposed curfew on Nkwanta since the break out of the conflict some four years ago, killings are ongoing at broad day and not in the night,” he said.
He therefore called for an immediate review or lifting of the curfew regime, insisting that the current measures are no longer effective in addressing the security situation.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Nkwanta South, Joseph Awal Antwi, received the petition and commended the group for its efforts to push for lasting peace in the area. He assured them that their concerns would be forwarded to the relevant authorities and reiterated government’s commitment to restoring stability in the municipality.
The MCE added that ongoing efforts are underway by state security and administrative authorities to address the conflict and bring lasting peace to the area.
