Bawku curfew renewed by Interior Ministry
According to a statement signed by Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the curfew will now be enforced from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
The Interior Ministry has announced an extension of the curfew imposed on Bawku Municipality and surrounding areas in the Upper East Region.
This decision, implemented through an Executive Instrument, takes effect from Monday, February 17, 2025.
According to a statement signed by Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the curfew will now be enforced from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. The government has also reinforced a complete ban on the possession of firearms, ammunition, or any offensive weapons within Bawku and its neighboring communities.
Authorities have cautioned that individuals found in possession of such weapons will face immediate arrest and prosecution. The government further called on traditional leaders, community elders, and residents to promote peace and adopt non-violent approaches to conflict resolution.
Related Security Measures in Walewale
Meanwhile, in response to escalating violence along the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway, the Interior Ministry imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Walewale and nearby areas in the North East Region. The directive, also issued by Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, took effect on February 15, 2025, restricting movement from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily.
Recent Violent Incidents
Bawku has witnessed a surge in violence in recent weeks, resulting in multiple fatalities. Between January 25 and February 14, 2025, four children—ranging from five months to 13 years—lost their lives in separate attacks.
The first incident occurred on January 25, when a 13-year-old boy tending cattle in the Posum-Singnatinga-Possum area was ambushed and killed by unidentified gunmen, who then stole the livestock.
On February 8, assailants dressed in military uniforms raided a home in Tensungo, killing a mother and her two young children, aged seven months and two years.
In another tragic event, a woman lost her five-month-old daughter after attackers fatally assaulted the child.
Ongoing Conflict and Casualties
Since October 2024, the conflict in Bawku has led to approximately 58 deaths. The situation remains tense, with frequent gunfire reported within the town and along the Bawku-Bolga-Tamale highway.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge all factions to prioritize peace to prevent further loss of life.
