At least two people have been injured following a violent confrontation between supporters of two rival traditional authorities in Kpandai, in Ghana’s Northern Region, over the use of a gravel pit earmarked for a local road rehabilitation project.
The incident, which occurred during ongoing works on the Dobong community road, has heightened tensions in the area and raised concerns about land ownership disputes and the role of traditional authority in development projects.
According to eyewitness accounts and local political figures, the clash stemmed from conflicting claims over a gravel pit being used to supply materials for the rehabilitation of the Dobong road, a project expected to improve transportation and economic activity in surrounding communities.
The branch chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the area, who said he was present when the incident unfolded, explained that the gravel pit in question had been released by the chief of Nkanchina for the purpose of extracting gravel to support the road works. Based on this approval, contractors reportedly moved equipment to the site and began operations.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn when another traditional authority in Kpandai, identified as Nana Ntosah, allegedly objected to the use of the land. According to the NDC chairman, Nana Ntosah instructed that operations at the gravel pit be halted, claiming authority over the area where the materials were being extracted.
Tensions escalated further when Nana Ntosah is said to have dispatched payloaders to the site, reportedly to take control of the gravel pit. Supporters of the Nkanchina chief resisted the move, insisting that the land had already been lawfully released for the road project.
The disagreement quickly degenerated into violence, with supporters from both sides confronting each other. During the clashes, two individuals sustained injuries from cutlass attacks. In addition, six motorbikes were reportedly set on fire amid the chaos, causing property damage and intensifying fear among residents.
Residents in nearby communities described scenes of panic as people fled the area to avoid being caught in the violence. Some traders and commuters using the road were forced to abandon their activities temporarily as the situation spiralled out of control.
Police were later deployed to the scene and managed to restore calm, preventing the confrontation from escalating further. Law enforcement officials have since maintained a presence in the area to deter any renewed violence and ensure the safety of residents and workers involved in the road project.
The two injured persons were transported to the Kpandai District Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical treatment. Hospital sources say their conditions are stable, though they continue to be monitored by health professionals.
As of the time of reporting, no arrests had been officially confirmed, but police investigations are said to be ongoing. Security agencies are expected to engage both traditional authorities and community leaders as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions and find a lasting solution to the dispute.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for clearer coordination between traditional leaders, local authorities, and contractors involved in development projects. Community members say disputes over land and natural resources have the potential to derail critical infrastructure works if not properly managed.
Local government officials are yet to issue a formal statement, but sources indicate that the Kpandai District Assembly is expected to intervene to clarify land ownership issues surrounding the gravel pit and ensure that the road rehabilitation project continues without further disruption.
Traditional leaders in the area have also been urged to resolve the matter through dialogue rather than confrontation, in order to preserve peace and social cohesion in the municipality.
The Dobong road project is considered vital for improving access to farms, markets, and essential services in the area. Any prolonged delay caused by the dispute could negatively affect economic activities and livelihoods in surrounding communities.
For now, calm has returned to Kpandai, but residents remain anxious as authorities work to prevent a recurrence of the violence and address the underlying issues that led to the clash.
Source: Africa Publicity
