Several people have sustained serious injuries, including cutlass wounds, following a violent clash between the Ewe community of Nyekornakpoe and Zabrama fishermen at Krachi East Municipality in the Oti Region.
The confrontation, which erupted along the shores of the Lake, is rooted in a long-simmering dispute over fishing methods. Members of the Ewe community accuse Zabrama fishermen of using fishing hooks on the Lake, a practice they say destroys fishing nets, endangers swimmers, and poses significant safety risks.
A resident of the area, Pastor Mathew Milenyakpor, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the use of hooks is particularly hazardous, as they can easily entangle swimmers and fishermen, potentially leading to drowning. He noted that the community had repeatedly raised concerns over the practice, citing several previous injuries suffered by local fishermen.
Efforts to engage the Zabrama fishermen over the matter reportedly degenerated into a heated misunderstanding, which quickly escalated into violent clashes between the two groups.
However, the Zabrama community has rejected accusations of wrongdoing. Their spokesperson, Mr Mohammed Hassan, alleged that the Ewe community had persistently attacked their fishing operations. He claimed that during the latest incident, their tents were burned, cooking utensils destroyed, and an amount of ¢18,000 forcibly taken from them — an act he said triggered the violent retaliation.
Mr Hassan further alleged that the clash resulted in cutlass wounds among youths in Nyekornakpoe after some community members demanded the immediate exit of Zabrama fishermen from the area.
Confirming the incident, the Assembly Member for the Electoral Area, Anthony Zodzenu, said he personally visited the affected island to assess the situation and engaged leaders of both communities in efforts to restore calm.
According to Anthony Zodzenu, six injured victims have so far reported to the police, where their statements were taken and medical forms issued. The injured persons are currently receiving treatment at the Tokuroano Health Centre.
He disclosed that the Zabrama fishermen had obtained official authorization from the Biakoye District to engage in fishing activities. However, the controversy arose because they were operating within the Krachi East Municipality, despite their permit being issued by a different district.
The Assembly Member suggested that the Zabrama fishermen restrict their activities to the Biakoye District, where they were legally permitted to operate, to prevent further conflict.
Meanwhile, calm has been restored to the area, as community leaders and security agencies continue engagements to prevent a recurrence of violence.
Source: paqmediagh/Peter Quao Adattor
