Central Region NADMO activates security, humanitarian response following New Winneba fatal clash

The Central Region Disaster Management Committee, under the leadership of Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere, has mobilized security, humanitarian, and disaster responses following a deadly clash in New Winneba, a community situated along the Winneba-Swedru highway. Police, including specialized national reinforcements and two armored vehicles, have been deployed to secure the area.

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has dispatched field teams to evaluate displacement, structural damage, and urgent relief requirements. The Regional Director of NADMO, Emmanuel Kwesi Dawood, stated that teams are registering displaced persons, documenting damaged homes and public facilities, and coordinating with health and security agencies to prioritize emergency shelter, food, water, and medical assistance.

NADMO is also offering psychological support to affected families and victims undergoing treatment at the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba. The agency is collaborating with regional security councils, district leaders, and local assembly members to establish temporary shelters and safe havens, coordinate relief distribution, and enforce community safety protocols.

Early assessments by NADMO aim to ensure a prompt and evidence-based response while preventing secondary public-health risks and providing data for targeted humanitarian assistance and long-term recovery planning. On September 1, violent clashes between communities along the Agona-Swedru highway resulted in three deaths and about 15 serious injuries, including a police officer.

The incident, involving around 300 armed individuals from Gomoa Oguakrom, Gomoa Yenkuadze, and Gomoa Pomadze, damaged several shops and residential properties. Preliminary reports suggest the violence was triggered by an escalating land litigation dispute. Six individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, with one locally made single-barrel gun and an empty AAA cartridge recovered from the crime scene.