Story By: Samali Abdul Razak
Thirty-eight labour unions, professional associations and worker groups in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region have given the government a 30-day ultimatum to take decisive steps to end the area’s long-running conflict or face a total withdrawal of public and essential services.
The groups say they will lay down their tools if government fails to show clear and measurable progress towards restoring lasting peace.
At a press conference, the workers described the conflict as a recurring crisis that has claimed lives, destroyed property, displaced hundreds of families, disrupted businesses and weakened the delivery of essential public services over the years.
Speaking on behalf of the unions, spokesperson Edward Yeboah said recent violent incidents have further worsened the security situation, leading to deaths and injuries, repeated school closures and the relocation of teachers and other public sector workers who fear for their lives.
While acknowledging efforts made by government and the security agencies, he said the current situation requires stronger and more decisive action to prevent further violence.
According to the unions, the conflict has affected almost every aspect of life in the municipality. They said students, women and children, workers and other residents continue to live in fear, while schools, businesses and public institutions have been disrupted.
They also raised concerns over unsafe working conditions for teachers, health workers and other essential service providers, adding that fear and mistrust among communities continue to deepen.
The unions said more than 353 households, involving over 764 people, had been displaced as of February 2026. They warned that the conflict is causing psychological trauma, social instability and long-term hardship for affected families.
They further noted that development projects have stalled and investor confidence has declined, with resources that could have been used for development instead being diverted to security operations.
The workers are therefore calling on the government to establish a permanent conflict-resolution mechanism involving traditional leaders, community representatives, youth groups, security agencies and other stakeholders.
They also want stronger security and intelligence operations to prevent further attacks, while the root causes of the conflict are addressed through dialogue, mediation and lawful processes.
The unions further appealed for a long-term peacebuilding and social cohesion programme for Nkwanta and its surrounding communities, as well as permanent security infrastructure to guarantee lasting stability.
They warned that the deteriorating security situation is making it increasingly difficult for workers to perform their duties safely and effectively.
The organised labour groups stressed that if government fails to demonstrate meaningful progress within 30 days of receiving their petition, they will withdraw all public and essential services until the security situation improves.
Meanwhile, some residents appealed to government to review the current curfew, which runs from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., saying the restrictions are affecting their livelihoods. They explained that evening trading is the main source of income for many families and that the prolonged conflict has worsened poverty in the municipality.
Persons with disabilities also appealed for support, saying they are among the hardest hit during periods of violence because they face greater challenges in accessing safety, healthcare and economic opportunities.
The unions and residents jointly called on the government to act urgently, warning that without a credible and lasting solution to the conflict, Nkwanta South risks further loss of lives, more displacement and the collapse of already overstretched public services.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
