The protracted chieftaincy dispute in Sampa, Jaman North District of the Bono Region, escalated violently on Wednesday when rival factions exchanged gunfire, leaving one person dead and a police officer seriously injured.
The Ghana News Agency (GNA) reports that the Bono Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has deployed joint military and police reinforcements to restore calm, as terrified residents remain indoors.
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“Sampa is presently on fire,” District Chief Executive Mr George Adane told GNA in a telephone interview. He confirmed that the injured officer is receiving treatment at the Sampa Government Hospital, where the body of the deceased young man has also been deposited for autopsy.
According to Mr Adane, three residential houses and the Sampa Market were set ablaze during the clashes, which erupted around 1 p.m. Preliminary investigations suggest that tensions flared after supporters of Nana Yaw Sammor-Duah II learned that his rival, Nana Samgba Gyafla, was in the process of being gazetted as chief.
The attempt to protest his recognition quickly degenerated into a violent gun battle between the two factions.
Security personnel remain on the ground to prevent further escalation.
