Form a committee to probe Gbenyiri feud – Ayikoi Otoo

Former Attorney General Nii Ayikoi Otoo has called for the urgent establishment of a committee of enquiry to investigate the deadly Gbenyiri feud, which has claimed 31 lives and displaced around 48,000 people.

Speaking in an interview on Saturday, September 6, Mr. Otoo stressed that the conflict is a critical national issue demanding immediate action.

“This situation requires a serious committee of enquiry because people are dying, and thousands are becoming refugees. It will also disrupt food production and livelihoods in the area,” he said.

He urged the government to secure the region by deploying police forces, and if the police struggle to contain the violence, he recommended deploying the military to restore peace quickly.

“Those involved have limited firepower mostly single-barrel guns and arrests aren’t enough. We must act swiftly to calm the situation, then set up a committee to address the root causes, whether they are chieftaincy or land disputes,” he added.

When asked about the need for a heavy security presence despite the mass displacement, Mr. Otoo emphasized that restoring security is essential to rebuilding trust.

“To stabilize the area, security must be strong. People need to feel protected by our security agencies before they can safely return home. Once calm is restored, the committee can gather vital testimonies and work toward lasting solutions,” he concluded.