- Violent clashes in Gbinyiri have displaced over 13,000 Ghanaians, who fled to Côte d’Ivoire.
- The conflict stems from a disputed land sale between a local chief and a private developer.
- Six people have died, 18 injured, and several homes — including the Chief’s Palace — were burned.
- NPP’s Palgrave Boakye Danquah is calling for a state of emergency in the Savannah Region.
- Interior Minister confirms refugee figures and ongoing peace efforts.
- Humanitarian agencies are coordinating relief; security forces remain deployed.
- The crisis threatens food security, migration patterns, and regional stability.
The escalating crisis in Gbinyiri and surrounding communities in the Savannah Region has triggered calls for a state of emergency, following deadly clashes over a disputed land sale that have left six people dead, dozens injured, and thousands displaced.
Dr. Palgrave Boakye Danquah, a leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has urged President John Dramani Mahama to take immediate action, warning that the situation poses serious risks to national security and regional stability. His appeal comes amid reports that over 13,000 Ghanaians have fled to Côte d’Ivoire, seeking refuge from the violence.
The conflict began when a private developer attempted to begin work on land sold by the local chief, sparking confrontations that saw homes torched — including the Chief’s Palace — and entire communities uprooted. Security forces have since been deployed to contain the unrest, but tensions remain high.
Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka confirmed the refugee figures last week, noting that the displacement spans multiple districts and border communities. Humanitarian agencies are now coordinating relief efforts, while traditional leaders and peace councils engage in mediation.
Boakye Danquah warned that if the crisis continues unchecked, Ghana could face a surge in irregular migration and strained international relations. He called for a full state of emergency across the Savannah Region to enable swift resource mobilization, restore order, and facilitate the safe return of displaced citizens.
With farming season underway and thousands of residents cut off from their livelihoods, the stakes are rising. The Gbinyiri conflict has become a test of government response, regional diplomacy, and the resilience of Ghana’s peace architecture.
