A violent confrontation stemming from a long-standing land dispute has left a man critically injured and properties destroyed in Penteng, a community in the Afigya Kwabre North District of the Ashanti Region.
The disturbing incident, which has shocked residents and heightened tensions in the area, reportedly involved a clash between a group of landguards and a local resident over ownership and use of land.
According to eyewitness accounts, the dispute is linked to claims by the chief of nearby Sasaamo, who is said to have asserted ownership over vast portions of land within the area. Residents allege that the chief had earlier issued a stern directive warning individuals against engaging in any form of development on the disputed lands without his authorization.
To enforce this directive, landguards were reportedly deployed to monitor and protect the lands.
Tensions escalated when a resident of Penteng, identified only as “Macho,” reportedly challenged the chief’s authority.
Sources indicate that Macho insisted on continuing construction works on a parcel of land located close to his family house, despite repeated warnings from the landguards to halt the project.
Eyewitnesses say the situation took a violent turn when Macho allegedly confronted the landguards, armed with a cutlass.
In the ensuing altercation, he is said to have overpowered one of the guards, inflicting severe injuries.
The victim reportedly suffered a near-severed hand along with deep cuts to the neck and forehead.
The injured landguard was rushed to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment. Medical sources describe his condition as critical but stable.
News of the attack quickly spread, prompting other members of the landguard group to retaliate. In what residents describe as a revenge attack, the guards allegedly stormed the community and set fire to Macho’s family house, destroying property and leaving residents in fear.
A nearby homeowner, who witnessed the incident, recounted the terrifying moment: “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, with many residents calling for urgent intervention from authorities to restore calm and prevent further violence.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been released by the Ghana Police Service regarding arrests or ongoing investigations. However, local sources indicate that security agencies have been alerted and are expected to intensify patrols in the area.
The situation highlights 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 violence.
Community leaders and civil society groups are now urging all parties to exercise restraint and seek lawful and peaceful means of resolving land disputes.
Residents of Penteng remain on edge, fearing possible reprisals, as authorities work to bring the situation under control.
