A long-running family dispute over land has ended in tragedy in the Upper West Region, leaving two people dead and two others in police custody as the community struggles to come to terms with the violence.
The incident occurred in the late afternoon of Tuesday, December 30, 2025, when a disagreement over the ownership of a plot of land between relatives escalated from heated arguments into a violent confrontation.
What began as a family matter quickly spiralled out of control, with devastating consequences.
The Upper West Regional Police Command says it received distress calls and immediately activated its Quick Response Team.
By the time officers arrived, however, the situation had already turned fatal. One victim was found dead at the scene, while another was discovered unconscious and rushed to a nearby health facility.
Despite efforts to save him, he later died from his injuries.
Regional Police Commander DCOP Francis Yiribaare described the incident as a deeply regrettable and avoidable loss of life.
“This is a very unfortunate situation and one that could have been prevented if peaceful means had been used to resolve the dispute,” he said.
Forensic teams worked through the night and into the early hours of the morning, processing the scene and gathering evidence. Police say cooperation from residents has been crucial to the investigation.
Two suspects have so far been arrested. One is receiving treatment at a regional hospital under police guard after sustaining injuries during the clash, while the second was picked up in the early hours of Wednesday and is currently in detention.
A major road near the area was temporarily closed to secure the scene, but is expected to reopen once investigations at the site are completed.
Police have assured the public that all those responsible will be held accountable and have urged families to resolve disputes through lawful and peaceful channels rather than violence.
