A Femboy identified as Sheriff from Damongo the Savannah Regional Capital has been arrested by Benkrom Community members after he disguised himself as a female to meet with his online male suitor Eshawu in Benkrom community in the Bono East Region.

Sheriff who traveled from Damongo in the West Gonja Municipality, was taken into custody early Sunday morning 31st August 2025 after community members raised concerns about his alleged involvement in male to male intimacy.

According to Hon. Osei Yohane who is the Assembly Member for the Nsuano/Benkrom Electoral Area in the Bono East Region, who spoke to Spear FM in Gonja Language, he was contacted around midnight on Sunday about the situation.

“I received a call around 12 midnight about this matter,” the Assembly Member told Spear FM. “The individual was brought to my residence, and I subsequently handed them over to police for proper investigation.”

The Assembly Member indicated the incident began when the suspect (Sheriff), presenting as female on social media platforms, connected with a male local resident of Benkrom by name Eshawu. The two allegedly developed an online relationship that led to arrangements for an in-person meeting.

Hon. Osei Yohane said the suspect (Sheriff) reportedly traveled to Benkrom on Saturday night, August 30, with transportation costs provided by the local resident (Eshawu) whom he had been communicating with online.

Hon. Osei Yohane added that, the deception was discovered later that night when Eshawu and Sheriff went to bed. Eshawu tried to have intimacy with Sheriff and discovered that Sheriff was a male and not female but Sheriff insisted that Eshawu could have an anal intimacy with him if he wouldn’t mind.

This led to a dispute that prompted community intervention.

Accounting to the Assembly Member, during questioning, Sheriff reportedly admitted to similar incidents in other locations and claimed to use social media platforms to arrange such meetings.

The suspect (Sheriff) has been handed over to Kadelso Police Station for investigation. Police have not yet announced formal charges, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The incident has prompted discussions within the Benkrom community about online safety and verification of digital communications. Local leaders are calling for calm while authorities conduct their investigation.

The Assembly Member emphasized that the matter is now in the hands of law enforcement for proper legal processing.

Spear FM spoke to the Hon. Assembly Member for Nsuano/Benkrom Electoral Area Mr. Osei Yohane

(Cue Audio of Benkrom Assembly Member)

The Bui Power Authority (BPA) has taken a significant step in supporting the fight against artisanal illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, by donating two Ford pick-up vehicles to the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council (SRCC). This gesture demonstrates the BPA’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to address the pressing issue of galamsey in the region.

The vehicles were presented to the SRCC Mr. Kwadwo Otopah-Poakwa representing the Chief Executive Officer of the BPA, Mr. Kow Eduakwa Sam. According to Mr. Kwdwo, “The Bui Power Authority has seen the effort by the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council to fight the artisanal illegal mining (Galamsey) and we as an interested party in the fight have deemed it necessary to support the fight.” To further aid the SRCC in their efforts, the BPA will also provide a fuel card loaded with funds every month to support the vehicles’ operations.

The Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Lawyer Salisu Issifu Be-Awurebe, received the donation on behalf of the SRCC and expressed gratitude to the BPA for recognizing their efforts. “The donation was very timely as the REGSEC is preparing to embark on another operation along the Black Volta,” he said. Hon. Be-Awurebe emphasized that the fight against galamsey is an ongoing effort that requires sustained commitment. He also appealed to other agencies to provide additional support, particularly boats and life jackets, to facilitate the evacuation of miners along the banks of the Black Volta River.

The Regional Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to combating galamsey, stating, “The government is not against mining of minerals, but it should be legal and responsible.” He emphasized the importance of protecting the region’s water bodies and forest reserves, underscoring the need for a collaborative approach to address the issue.

The donation of the vehicles is a significant step towards enhancing the SRCC’s capacity to tackle galamsey in the region. With the BPA’s support, the SRCC can now more effectively monitor and respond to illegal mining activities, ultimately contributing to the preservation of the region’s natural resources. As the fight against galamsey continues, it is essential for stakeholders to maintain their commitment to finding sustainable solutions to this pressing issue.

Both Gonjaland Youth Association and Birifor Youth Association have issued contrasting but complementary statements addressing the escalating tensions in the ongoing Gbenyiri land dispute, with both groups ultimately calling for peaceful resolution and dialogue.

The Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA) has announced an emergency meeting of all Gonjalanders scheduled for Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Sawla at 10:00 AM. The meeting comes in response to the ongoing conflict within the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District.

According to a statement issued by GLYA Public Relations Officer Mankir Ibn Malik, the association believes that “peace, unity, and constructive dialogue are essential in safeguarding the harmonious coexistence that Gonjaland has long been known for.”

The emergency gathering will bring together concerned citizens, traditional leaders, youth, and stakeholders to deliberate on the current situation and chart a peaceful path forward for the communities involved.

Meanwhile, the Birifor Youth Association (BYA) has taken a strong stance against inflammatory content circulating on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where individuals claiming to represent the Birifor tribe have been posting violent rhetoric.

In a statement released Wednesday, August 26, 2025, and signed by BYA Public Relations Officer Joseph Wereh, the association strongly disassociated itself from these messages, describing them as “contrary to our values of peace, unity, and harmony” and a “significant threat to regional stability and security.”

The BYA confirmed it has reported the incidents to security agencies, providing evidence including videos to aid in identifying and apprehending those responsible for the inflammatory posts.

Both organizations emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation. The BYA statement particularly called for “an immediate ceasefire between the Gonjas and the Birifors,” noting that “the avoidable loss of lives and destruction of properties must end.”

The association urged both parties to “engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve their differences and work towards lasting peace,” describing this approach as “the only way to ensure the safety, security, and prosperity of our people, region, and the nation.”

The Gbenyiri land dispute has raised concerns about broader regional stability, with both youth associations emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace in an area known for its diverse communities and cultural harmony.

The BYA statement noted that the organization stands “in solidarity with those working tirelessly towards peace, development, and the betterment of our community, region, and the nation at large.”

As the Gonjaland Youth Association prepares for its emergency meeting this Saturday, both organizations have made clear their commitment to peaceful resolution over confrontation. The convergence of these statements from both sides of the dispute suggests a shared recognition that dialogue, rather than violence, must be the path forward.

The outcomes of Saturday’s emergency meeting in Sawla are expected to play a crucial role in determining the next steps toward resolving the Gbenyiri land dispute and restoring peace to the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District.

Security agencies are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, with evidence provided by the BYA to help identify individuals spreading inflammatory content online.

The Ministry of Interior has imposed a curfew on Bole, Sawla-Tuna-Kalba Township and its surrounding areas in the Savannah Region, effective immediately from Wednesday, August 27, 2025, as tensions over land disputes threaten regional security.

Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak announced the emergency measure through an Executive Instrument, following recommendations from the National Security Council. The curfew runs from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM daily and will remain in effect “until further notice.”

The decision comes as ongoing land dispute issues have escalated into security concerns, prompting government intervention to prevent further deterioration of peace in the area.

The government has sanctioned the following comprehensive restrictions for residents and visitors in the affected areas:

Weapons Ban: A complete prohibition on carrying firearms, ammunition, or any offensive weapons is now in effect. Violations will result in immediate arrest and prosecution under the full extent of the law.

Transportation Restrictions: No two or more persons are permitted to travel together on motorcycles at any time during the day, a measure designed to prevent coordinated movements that could escalate tensions.

Cultural Restrictions: The wearing of war regalia has been banned throughout the day, aimed at reducing symbolic displays that might inflame existing conflicts.

The government has issued urgent appeals to community leaders and residents to pursue peaceful resolution of their disputes. Officials specifically called on chiefs, opinion leaders, youth, and all community members to “exercise restraint in the face of the challenges confronting them.”

Authorities emphasized the importance of using “non-violent means to channel their energies into ensuring peace in the area,” highlighting the government’s preference for dialogue over confrontation.

The Savannah Region, one of Ghana’s newer administrative regions created in 2019, has experienced periodic tensions over land rights and traditional authority disputes. Land conflicts in northern Ghana often involve competing claims over territory, chieftaincy disputes, and resource allocation disagreements between different ethnic groups.

The current situation in Sawla-Tuna-Kalba represents the latest in a series of localized conflicts that have required government intervention to maintain peace and stability in Ghana’s northern regions.

Security forces are expected to enforce the curfew strictly, with the Interior Ministry making clear that violations will be met with immediate legal action. The comprehensive nature of the restrictions suggests authorities view the situation as requiring urgent and decisive intervention.

The indefinite timeline of the curfew indicates that government officials are taking a cautious approach, preferring to maintain restrictions until they are confident that underlying tensions have been adequately addressed.

Residents and visitors to the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba Township and surrounding areas are advised to comply fully with all restrictions and to cooperate with security personnel during this period of heightened enforcement.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has met the Savannah Regional Security Council (REGSEC) in Damongo as police reinforcement teams beef up security in Sawla and surrounding communities following violent clashes at Gbiniyiri.

The IGP led a high-powered delegation from the National Headquarters to the Savannah region yesterday Tuesday, August 26, to assess the situation and coordinate response efforts with local authorities.

His visit comes after deadly communal violence in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District, which left several people dead and others injured on Sunday.

At the Jakpa Palace where the IGP called on the overlord of Gonjaland, IGP Yohuno assured the chiefs and people of a strong security presence to protect lives and property.

The IGP confirmed that reinforcement teams, including the Formed Police Unit (FPU) and Counter-Terrorism personnel, are working alongside the Ghana Armed Forces to stabilise Sawla, Gbiniyiri, Giniri, and other nearby communities.

“We have also mobilised FPU personnel, over 100 FPU personnel from Accra who have arrived and over 30 Counter-Terrorism Unit who have also arrived to support the men over here. We are getting to 300 policemen on the ground to help the people who are in this situation, people who are running away from this fight, so we can give them protection and also work with other security agencies to bring tensions down,” he stated.

(Cue Audio of IGP at the Jakpa Palace over Gbenyiri land dispute)

From the Yagbonwura’s palace, the IGP made a stop over at Sawlawura’s palace where Sawlawura Nungbanso told the IGP that the Brifor tribesmen across the border in the Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso made inroads into Ghana territory and fought on the side of their kins against the Gonjas.

In the meeting with the IGP and the military GOC northern region, the Sawlawura appealed to the security chiefs to return firearms and other weapons seized from a group of Gonja “Nbowuras” who were reportedly on their way to Gbiniyiri.

(Cue Audio of Sawlawura during IGPs visit to his palace over Gbenyiri impass)

Meanwhile Spear FM News can confirm that the Chief’s Palace in Gbiniyiri, a farming community in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of the Savannah Region, has been burnt down as violence over a land dispute escalates.

The burning happened yesterday Tuesday, August 26, just days after deadly clashes in the area left six people dead and 18 others injured. The conflict reportedly began when the Gbenyiriwura sold a piece of land to a private developer, but some residents opposed the sale.

Tensions rose when the developer tried to work on the land and was resisted by the community.

The violence broke out on Sunday, August 24, leading to the deaths of five people. Another person was killed the next day. Many of the injured are in critical condition, with gunshot and machete wounds.

The fighting has forced many residents, especially women and children, to flee their homes. Several houses and properties have also been destroyed.

Spear FM is still following the events as they unfold and we will keep you updated on every latest developments with regards to the Gbenyiri land dispute.