One beheaded, dozens of homes razed in Ahanta West chieftaincy violence

A deadly chieftaincy conflict between the communities of Asemko and Butre in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region has resulted in the beheading of one person and the destruction of nearly 80 percent of homes in Asemko.

The renewed violence is linked to a prolonged leadership dispute, which flared up after residents of Asemko reportedly attempted to enstool their own chief, defying existing traditional arrangements.

What began as a dispute over succession quickly descended into violence, leaving widespread devastation in its wake.

When security teams arrived, Asemko had been reduced to ashes, with entire clusters of houses burned to the ground. Terrified residents have since fled to neighboring communities, abandoning their properties in search of safety.

All schools and businesses in the area have shut down, bringing daily life to a halt.

Authorities say they are investigating the incident and have deployed additional security reinforcements to restore order and prevent further bloodshed.