Nkwanta, October 31, 2023 – The St Joseph Hospital in Nkwanta has reported a surge in cases of gunshot wounds following a recent ethnic clash in the area.
Hospital Administrator Madam Anastasia Okyere disclosed that the facility had received 15 cases of gunshot wounds as of Monday, October 30, 2023.
Out of the 15 cases, one patient with a gunshot wound to the chest was referred to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for specialized care.
Regrettably, one individual decided to abscond, leaving behind medications provided by the hospital for his treatment.
In response to the security challenges, Madam Okyere noted that some police officers have been assigned to the hospital to ensure the safety of lives and property.
The hospital administrator expressed gratitude to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) for drawing attention to the hospital's security concerns, which subsequently led to the deployment of police personnel to the facility.
Dr. Theophilus Nartey Amoatey, the Medical Superintendent of Nkwanta South Municipal Hospital, also confirmed that his facility had received two male patients with gunshot wounds.
The conflict in Nkwanta arose from clashes between the Adele, Challa, and Akyode tribes, leading to the displacement of thousands of residents who fled their homes to seek refuge in neighbouring districts and municipalities in the Oti Region.
These clashes were triggered by disputes related to the performance of ritual rites to mark the 2023 annual Yam Festival of the Akyode group, resulting in significant property damage, with Nkwanta experiencing an eerie emptiness as many homes and shops were destroyed in the process.
