According to reports, there have been at least seven fatalities and several injuries in an ongoing fight between Gonja and Mamprusi tribal members at Lukula in the North Gonja district.

IMAGE CREDIT: myjoyonline

Among the victims is Naa Salifu Nachinaa, the 70-year-old Mamprusi head of the Kuwerigu Community, who was shot dead at his home by assailants.

IMAGE CREDIT: myjoyonline

After two days of tension in the neighborhood amid attempts to obstruct the entrance of a rival chief from Daboya, the violence broke out this morning.

BACKGROUND

2019 saw the first outbreak of hostility between the two tribes, immediately following the creation of the Savanna and North East Regions.

Tampulmas and Mamprusis control the North Gonja district of the Savannah Region on an administrative level.

The two tribes announced their intention to join the North East Region after accusing the Gonja authorities of economic and social neglect during the region-creation process.

This infuriated the Gonja traditional leaders in Daboya, which precipitated the initial altercation. The Mempeasem settlement was invaded by the Gonjas in April, and it was destroyed. The government then created a committee to investigate the conflict.

The study was complete, but implementation has been difficult, according to the North East Regional Minister’s announcement in December 2022.