The Minister of Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, acting on the advice of the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC), has renewed the curfew hours in the Bawku Municipality and its surrounding areas. Effective February 24, 2024, the curfew will remain in place from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am for another week. This decision comes as part of ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security in the region, which has been plagued by sporadic violence and unrest.
Why Was the Curfew Imposed?
The Bawku Municipality has been under a curfew since November 2021, following a violent clash sparked by attempts to install a parallel chief. The conflict, which began as a chieftaincy dispute, escalated into gun battles, resulting in the loss of lives and property.
While the intensity of the violence has subsided in recent months, the area continues to experience isolated incidents of gunfire and attacks. The most recent tragic incident occurred on Saturday, February 22, 2025, when a young man was killed near the St. Anthony School Park.
Current Security Situation in Bawku
Despite the relative calm, the security situation in Bawku remains fragile. The renewal of the curfew underscores the government’s commitment to preventing further violence and ensuring the safety of residents.
Key Developments
- Curfew Hours: The curfew remains unchanged, from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am, to restrict movement during high-risk hours.
- Security Presence: Security forces have been deployed to monitor the area and respond to any incidents.
- Community Cooperation: Residents are urged to comply with the curfew and report suspicious activities to authorities.
The Human Impact of the Conflict
The prolonged curfew and ongoing violence have had a profound impact on the lives of Bawku residents:
- Economic Disruption: Businesses and daily activities are severely affected by the restricted movement.
- Psychological Trauma: The constant threat of violence has left many residents in a state of fear and anxiety.
- Loss of Lives: The recent killing of a young man is a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict.
Government’s Efforts to Restore Peace
The government, in collaboration with local leaders and security agencies, is working tirelessly to restore lasting peace in Bawku. Key measures include:
- Dialogue and Mediation: Engaging stakeholders to resolve the underlying chieftaincy dispute.
- Enhanced Security: Increasing patrols and intelligence gathering to prevent further violence.
- Community Engagement: Encouraging residents to play an active role in maintaining peace.
What Can Residents Do?
Residents are encouraged to:
- Adhere to Curfew Hours: Avoid unnecessary movement during restricted hours.
- Report Suspicious Activities: Cooperate with security forces by providing timely information.
- Promote Peace: Foster unity and dialogue within the community to prevent further conflict.
Key Takeaways
- The curfew in Bawku Municipality has been renewed from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am.
- The decision follows ongoing security concerns and recent violent incidents.
- The government is working to restore peace through dialogue and enhanced security measures.
- Residents are urged to comply with the curfew and support peace-building efforts.