Afigya Kwabre: Violence erupts over land dispute in Penteng; one critically injured,  many houses torched

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A violent confrontation arising from a protracted land dispute has left one man critically injured and several properties destroyed at Penteng in the Afigya Kwabre North District on Monday, March 30, 2026.

The incident, which has heightened tensions in the area, reportedly involved a clash between a group of landguards and a local resident identified only as “Macho,” over the ownership and use of a disputed parcel of land.

According to eyewitnesses, the dispute is linked to claims by a traditional authority from nearby Sasaamo, who is said to have asserted ownership over large portions of land within the enclave. Residents say the chief had earlier cautioned against any form of development on the land without his approval, leading to the deployment of landguards to enforce the directive.

Tensions escalated when Macho allegedly defied the directive and continued construction works near his family home. Despite repeated warnings from the landguards to halt the project, he reportedly remained adamant.

Eyewitnesses recount that the situation turned violent during a heated confrontation. “There was a serious argument, and suddenly it became chaotic. He attacked one of the landguards with a cutlass,” a resident revealed.

The victim sustained life-threatening injuries, including a near-severed hand and deep cuts to the neck and forehead. He was rushed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where medical staff say he is in critical but stable condition.

The attack is said to have triggered swift retaliation from the landguard group, who allegedly stormed the community and set Macho’s family house ablaze.

“They came in anger and started burning the house. Everyone was terrified. We had to run for our lives,” another eyewitness recounted.

The violence has thrown the community into a state of fear, with residents calling for urgent intervention by the Ghana Police Service to restore calm and prevent further escalation.

As of the time of filing this report, police have yet to issue an official statement on the incident or confirm any arrests. However, sources indicate that security personnel have been alerted and are expected to intensify patrols in the area.

The incident highlights the persistent and often volatile nature of land disputes in the Ashanti Region, where disagreements involving traditional authorities and private individuals frequently degenerate into violence.

Community leaders and civil society groups are urging all parties to exercise restraint. “We must resolve these matters through lawful and peaceful means, not violence,” a local opinion leader emphasized.

Meanwhile, residents of Penteng remain on edge, fearing possible reprisals as authorities work to bring the situation under control.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com