Wa West MP Calls for Justice, Dialogue after Abu Tijani’s Death

The Member of Parliament for Wa West Constituency, Peter Lanchene Toobu, has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the death of Abu Tijani, alias “Master One,” who reportedly died while in police custody in Wa.

Mr. Toobu said the circumstances surrounding the death of the suspect must be investigated in accordance with Ghana’s laws, stressing that justice must be served for all victims of the protracted conflict between Lassia Tuolu and Kendeu.

The MP made the call in a press conference on Thursday, July 30, 2026, following renewed tensions linked to the conflict and the death of Abu Tijani.

The Lassia Tuolu–Kendeu conflict began on June 15, 2024, resulting in the deaths of three people, injuries to several others and the destruction of property. The violence also strained relationships and disrupted the longstanding peaceful coexistence between the two communities.

According to Mr. Toobu, state security agencies intervened to restore calm, while the matter was subsequently taken to court.

A mediation process led by the Upper West Regional Minister and Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), Charles Lwanga Puozuing, was later initiated to find a lasting solution to the dispute.

However, the mediation process suffered a setback following another violent incident in Kendeu on November 23, 2025, when two young men from Bakpateng, near Lassia Tuolu, were allegedly murdered.

The incident led to the withdrawal of the Lassia Tuolu faction from the mediation process as it sought justice for the two deceased persons, whose bodies, according to the MP, had not yet been retrieved.

Death of Abu Tijani

Mr. Toobu said information from the Ghana Police Service indicated that ten suspects were arrested on November 23, 2025, in connection with acts of violence allegedly committed during the funeral rites of the late Kendeu Chief.

Nine of the suspects were subsequently granted bail, while one remained in custody in connection with the alleged murder of the two young men from Bakpateng.

Further investigations reportedly led to the identification of additional suspects, including Abu Tijani, who had allegedly remained wanted by the police after escaping arrest in May 2026.

The MP said Abu Tijani was arrested on July 25, 2026, but subsequently died while in police custody at the SDA Hospital in Wa. The development has generated public concern, prompting calls for transparency and accountability in determining the circumstances surrounding his death.

MP urges restraint

Mr. Toobu, who visited Wechiau on July 29 to assess the situation, said he engaged the Paramount Chief and his Council of Elders, received security briefings and inspected a house reportedly burnt by some youth, where several properties were destroyed.

He appealed to residents of Lassia Tuolu, Kendeu, Wechiau and surrounding communities to remain calm and cooperate with the security agencies. He also cautioned citizens against spreading unverified information, inflammatory commentary and hate speech, particularly on social media.

According to him, rumours could further aggravate tensions at a time when efforts are needed to restore peace and trust.

Calls for justice and renewed dialogue

The Wa West MP urged the Ghana Police Service and other relevant state institutions to conduct their investigations professionally and impartially.

He specifically called for all allegations arising from the conflict, including the circumstances surrounding Abu Tijani’s death in police custody, to be thoroughly investigated.

He further appealed to the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice to ensure the fair, impartial and expeditious prosecution of cases arising from the Kendeu–Lassia Tuolu conflict.

Mr. Toobu stressed that individuals found culpable should be dealt with according to the law, regardless of their community affiliation.

“Crime is individualistic and not communal,” he said, while urging the two factions to return to the mediation table under the auspices of the Regional Security Council.

“We cannot shoot our way to peace”

The MP maintained that lasting peace could only be achieved through dialogue, compromise, mutual respect and reconciliation. He urged traditional authorities, religious leaders, youth and women’s groups, civil society organisations and residents of Wa West both at home and abroad to support peacebuilding efforts.

Mr. Toobu also commended security personnel deployed to protect lives and property amid the tensions. He expressed hope that the recent deaths would be the last sacrifices in the search for lasting peace, justice and reconciliation between the affected communities.

He called on residents to choose dialogue over violence and reconciliation over division as efforts continue to restore peace and rebuild trust in the affected communities.