The conflict in Gbiniyiri, in the Savannah Region, has reportedly recorded three more fatalities in renewed clashes over a land dispute, bringing the confirmed death toll to 31 as of yesterday.
The violence, which began on Sunday, August 24, has now spread across 12 communities within the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District, forcing over 48,000 residents—mostly women and children—to flee their homes, according to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
Of those displaced, about 14,000 people have crossed into Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire to seek refuge, while thousands remain camped in Sawla under the care of NADMO and the Ghana Red Cross.
Savannah Regional Minister Salisu Bi-Awuribe confirmed to the Daily Graphic that security reinforcements had been deployed to restore calm.
“The situation is under control now,” he assured, adding that the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) is working closely with the Yagbonwura and other traditional leaders to find a lasting solution.
However, checks suggest the real death toll could be far higher, with some residents alleging over 200 casualties since the clashes began. Tragedy has also struck among those fleeing, as several displaced persons reportedly drowned while attempting to cross the Black Volta River into Côte d’Ivoire.
At the Sawla camp, displaced families continue to struggle. “We left everything behind when the fighting started. Now we have nothing to feed our children,” said Alhassan Osman, one of the victims. He lamented that they are fed only once a day, leaving families in dire need.
Another victim, Agness Dawuda, appealed to the government and humanitarian organisations for urgent assistance, saying the situation is worsening by the day.
