Violent Land Dispute Erupts in Penteng, Ashanti Region – One Critically Injured, House Set Ablaze
A long-standing land dispute in Penteng, a community in the Afigya Kwabre North District of the Ashanti Region, turned violent on Monday, March 30, leaving one person critically injured and properties destroyed.
According to eyewitness accounts, the confrontation stemmed from claims by the chief of nearby Sasaamo, who asserts ownership over large portions of land in the area. The chief had reportedly warned residents against any form of development on the disputed lands without his authorisation and deployed landguards to enforce the directive.
Tensions escalated when a local resident, identified only as “Macho”, allegedly defied the warning and continued construction works on a parcel of land near his family house. When confronted by the landguards, Macho reportedly challenged them, armed with a cutlass.
In the ensuing altercation, Macho is said to have overpowered one of the landguards, inflicting severe injuries. The victim suffered a near-severed hand along with deep cuts to the neck and forehead. He was rushed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where his condition is described as critical but stable.
News of the attack quickly spread, prompting other members of the landguard group to retaliate. In what residents described as a revenge attack, the guards allegedly stormed the community and set fire to Macho’s family house, destroying property and leaving many residents in fear.
A nearby landlord who witnessed the incident recounted: “They came in anger and started burning the house. We were all scared for our lives and had to flee to safety.”
The incident has thrown the usually quiet community into chaos. Many residents are now calling for urgent intervention from the police to restore calm and prevent further violence.
As of now, the Ghana Police Service has not issued an official statement regarding arrests or the progress of investigations. However, local sources indicate that security agencies have been alerted and are expected to intensify patrols in the area.
This latest outbreak of violence underscores the persistent and often dangerous nature of land disputes in parts of the Ashanti Region, where conflicts between traditional authorities, landowners, and private individuals frequently escalate into confrontations.
Community leaders and civil society groups are urging all parties involved to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful, lawful means of resolving such disputes.
Residents of Penteng remain on edge, fearing possible reprisals as authorities work to bring the situation under control.
