The ongoing killings at Gbiniyiri in Ghana’s Savannah Region have risen to 31, following the latest wave of violence that claimed 13 additional lives.
The clashes, which began on August 24 over a contested piece of land, have now affected 12 communities within the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District.
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), says approximately 48,000 residents predominantly women and childrenhave been forced to flee their homes. Of these, nearly 14,000 have crossed into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire in search of safety, while thousands more are sheltering in temporary camps in Sawla under the care of NADMO and the Ghana Red Cross.
Savannah Regional Minister Salisu Bi-Awuribe stated that increased security deployment has helped stabilize the situation. He added that the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) is working closely with traditional authorities, including the Yagbonwura, to broker a lasting peace.
However, reports from the ground suggest the actual death toll may be significantly higher, with some locals estimating over 200 fatalities since the conflict erupted. Tragically, some displaced individuals drowned while attempting to cross the Black Volta River into Côte d’Ivoire.
Conditions at the Sawla camp remain dire. Displaced residents shared their struggles with the Daily Graphic, including Alhassan Osman, who said, “We left everything behind when the fighting started. Now we have nothing to feed our children.” Another victim, Agnes Dawuda, pleaded for urgent support from the government, humanitarian groups, and charitable organisations.
Author: Jasmine Adjei
Development journalist
