Oti Region: Farmer gunned down in Keri
By DL news
Published
1 min read
The incident has deepened long-standing security concerns in the area, which has witnessed repeated clashes involving the Adele, Challa, and Akyode ethnic groups, often linked to land disputes and cultural celebrations.
Violence erupted again in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region when a farmer, identified as Sammy Kentenso, was shot and killed on his farmland at Keri on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
Madam Juliana Awasan, Assembly Member for the Keri-Odomi Electoral Area, confirmed the death.
The incident has deepened long-standing security concerns in the area, which has witnessed repeated clashes involving the Adele, Challa, and Akyode ethnic groups, often linked to land disputes and cultural celebrations.
Past violence in the municipality includes an armed attack at the Nkwanta central market in November 2023 that left at least six people dead and several others injured. Just two months later, in January 2024, another confrontation during a traditional festival claimed 17 lives.
To address the repeated unrest, successive regional ministers, including the current Oti Regional Minister, Mr. John Kwadwo Gyapong, have sent security forces to probe the killings and work with traditional leaders and opinion leaders to promote peace.
A curfew, which has been in effect in Nkwanta township since November 2023, remains in place. Authorities continue to urge residents to put down weapons and resolve disputes peacefully.
Officials have also enforced a complete ban on arms, ammunition, and offensive weapons in Nkwanta and surrounding areas, warning that violators will be arrested and prosecuted.
Meanwhile, surveillance operations by security personnel are ongoing in the municipality to restore calm and ensure public safety.
