The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has ordered the immediate deployment of reinforcements to Nkwanta in the Oti Region following a fresh wave of violent attacks that have left five people dead.
The deployment, which arrived on Wednesday night, includes two armoured personnel carriers and a contingent of officers from the National Police Operations.
According to a news release signed by the Oti Regional Public Affairs Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) John Nchor, the move is aimed at “beefing up security” in the area after the latest bout of instability.
The police confirmed that a joint team, comprising the Police, Military, National Intelligence Bureau (BNI), Defense Intelligence, and the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), has recovered five bodies from two separate locations within the Nkwanta South Municipality.
The deceased have been identified as three males and two females.
While the police state that “calm has been restored” to the municipality, the atmosphere remains tense.
Investigations have officially commenced to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killings and to track down those responsible.
The statement further urged residents of Nkwanta and surrounding communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
“The public is further urged to desist from misinformation and acts that have the potential to flare up passions,” the statement warned.
Nkwanta has been a flashpoint for ethnic tensions and land disputes in recent times, leading to several impositions of curfews to maintain law and order.