Interior Ministry revises Bawku curfew hours following renewed violence

The Ministry for the Interior has revised the curfew hours imposed on Bawku Municipality and its surrounding communities in the Upper East Region, following renewed violence in the area.

Effective Sunday, July 27, 2025, the new curfew hours will run from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. each day, until further notice. The directive was issued by Executive Instrument based on recommendations from the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC).

This follows deadly clashes on Saturday, July 26, after a gun battle between the two factions involved in the protracted Bawku chieftaincy conflict. Two people were confirmed dead, and several others sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire in parts of the town.

The renewed violence has heightened tensions across the municipality, prompting an increase in military and police presence and a tightening of movement restrictions to prevent further escalation.

A statement signed by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, urged residents to remain calm and support peace efforts.

“Government calls on the Chiefs, Elders, Opinion Leaders, Youth and people of the area to exercise restraint in the face of the challenges confronting them, as well as to use non-violent means to channel their energies into ensuring peace,” the statement read.

The Ministry also reiterated the enforcement of a total ban on the carrying of arms, ammunition, and offensive weapons within the municipality and its surrounding areas. It warned that any person found in possession of such items would be arrested and prosecuted.

Security patrols have been intensified in key flashpoints within Bawku and its environs. Meanwhile, investigations are underway to identify those involved in the gun battle and bring them to justice.

The Bawku conflict, which has spanned several decades, stems from deep-rooted chieftaincy and ethnic disputes between the Mamprusi and Kusasi communities. Multiple government and traditional mediation efforts — including those led by the Nayiri, the Zugraana, and the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II — have sought to end the violence, though peace remains fragile.