Savannah Region, Ghana – A human rights advocate has called on government to take urgent steps to address the escalating tribal conflict in Gbenyiri, Savannah Region, which has left thousands displaced and communities in crisis.
Toufique Bansi Adam, an MPhil student in Human Rights, Conflicts, and Peace Studies, said the situation had reached a critical stage, with civilians facing serious threats to their safety and livelihoods. He noted that about 48,000 people have been displaced, including 14,000 who have sought refuge in nearby villages.
Reports from the ground indicate limited access to food, water, shelter, and medical care, with many displaced persons surviving on just one meal per day. Conditions at the Sawla camp, where many internally displaced persons (IDPs) are housed, are described as overcrowded and inadequate.
Mr. Adam said the government has both a constitutional and moral duty to act swiftly. He called for an immediate ceasefire, the facilitation of dialogue between conflicting parties, and unhindered humanitarian access to affected communities. He also urged the state to ensure civilian protection, investigate alleged human rights abuses, and provide comprehensive support for IDPs and refugees.
In addition, he recommended that the government work closely with humanitarian organizations such as the Ghana Red Cross and NADMO to expand relief operations, while also developing long-term strategies to address the root causes of the conflict. He further stressed the need to guarantee the safety of human rights defenders and journalists reporting on the crisis.
“The people of Gbenyiri deserve protection, assistance, and justice,” Mr. Adam said. “The government must act decisively to restore peace and fulfill its obligations under international human rights law.”
The Gbenyiri dispute, which has escalated in recent months, continues to disrupt lives and livelihoods in the Savannah Region, leaving urgent questions about how quickly relief and stability can be restored.
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