A long-standing land dispute between the neighbouring communities of Buo and Tiwii in Ghana's Upper West Region has escalated into deadly clashes, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. The violence occurred over the weekend, prompting an urgent appeal for calm from local authorities. The incident has raised concerns about the persistent issue of land disputes in rural Ghana.
The Member of Parliament for Sissala West, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, confirmed the deaths in a statement issued on Sunday, September 27, 2026. He expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery. Sukparu, who also serves as Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, urged residents to exercise restraint and avoid retaliation or further violence.
Sukparu appealed to traditional authorities, opinion leaders, youth groups, and women in the two communities to play an active role in restoring peace. He emphasised that no boundary or land dispute should be allowed to cost another life. The MP also reported that the Regional Security Council and the District Security Council, working with the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces, have been deployed to the affected areas to restore calm and facilitate investigations.
The exact circumstances that triggered the weekend violence remain unclear. The ages or identities of the two people killed have not been disclosed, nor have the details of the injuries suffered by others been made public. It is also unclear how many security personnel have been deployed to Buo and Tiwii or whether separate statements will be issued by the Ghana Police Service or National Security.
Land and boundary disputes between neighbouring communities are a recurring problem in rural Ghana, particularly in the north. These disputes often involve competing claims over farmland and settlement boundaries, which can periodically escalate into violent confrontations. The conflicts typically centre on customary land ownership, chieftaincy jurisdiction, or contested boundaries between towns and villages.
The immediate consequence of the clashes is the disruption of daily life in Buo, Tiwii, and neighbouring towns, where farming activity is typically underway. The incident has caused grief for families mourning the dead and uncertainty for those injured. The deployment of security personnel signals that authorities consider the situation serious enough to warrant a coordinated response.
The situation in Buo and Tiwii remains volatile, with residents advised to cooperate fully with security agencies to help establish the facts and ensure justice is served. No timeline has been given for the duration of the security deployment or the expected conclusion of investigations into the cause of the violence. Authorities continue to work towards restoring peace and stability to the affected communities.
Key points
- Two people have died and several others sustained injuries in clashes between Buo and Tiwii communities in Ghana's Upper West Region.
- The violence was triggered by a long-standing land dispute between the neighbouring communities.
- Authorities have deployed security personnel to the area to restore calm and facilitate investigations.
