Communal clashes in Ghana leave 31 dead, nearly 50,000 displaced

Deadly clashes in northern Ghana’s Savannah Region have claimed at least 31 lives and forced nearly 50,000 people from their homes, with over 13,000 fleeing across the border into Ivory Coast, officials confirmed Thursday.

The violence erupted on August 24 in Gbiniyiri, a village near the Ivorian border, following a land dispute that spread to a dozen surrounding communities. The conflict reportedly began after the local chief sold a parcel of land to a private developer without wider community approval, leading to violent resistance when the developer attempted to access the site. Tensions escalated further when the chief’s palace was set ablaze.

Interior Minister Mubarak Muntaka confirmed the cross-border displacement, citing Ivorian figures showing 13,253 Ghanaians seeking refuge in 17 villages, an area already hosting 30,000 refugees from Burkina Faso. Ghana’s National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) said the majority of those displaced are women and children, many of whom face overcrowded shelters or makeshift camps where food is scarce.

Savannah Regional NADMO Director Zakaria Mahama told AFP that calm has returned in recent days, with some displaced persons beginning to return home. Authorities have deployed more than 700 security officers and imposed a curfew to maintain order.

Regional Minister Salisu Bi-Awuribe said traditional leaders are working closely with security agencies to prevent further clashes, while an investigative committee involving chiefs and the National Peace Council is being set up to probe the violence and foster reconciliation.

Officials warned of potential food shortages as families were forced to abandon farms and livestock during the mass exodus.