Interior Minister Extends Bawku Curfew Amid Rising Security Concerns
The Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak, has renewed the curfew in Bawku and surrounding communities in the Upper East Region, following guidance from the National Security Council. The updated curfew hours will now run from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., starting Monday, September 15, 2025.
In a statement, the Interior Ministry urged local leaders—chiefs, elders, youth, and opinion leaders—to remain calm and avoid actions that could worsen tensions. The Ministry also encouraged community members to seek peaceful and constructive ways of addressing the ongoing issues in the area.
As part of ongoing efforts to stabilize the region, the Ministry emphasized that a complete ban remains in effect on the possession of firearms, ammunition, or any weapons in Bawku and nearby areas. Anyone found with such items will face arrest and prosecution.
The renewed restrictions follow a wave of violence, including the tragic killing of two students from Nalerigu Senior High School. The students were reportedly attacked by unidentified gunmen who invaded the school premises early in the morning on Saturday, July 26.
In response, the government initiated an emergency evacuation of students from schools in Bawku, Nalerigu, and other affected towns, citing growing concerns for their safety.
A statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu on Sunday, July 27, explained that the curfew aimed not only to restore calm but also to support the safe evacuation of students caught in the conflict.
The government has also taken decisive steps to address the renewed unrest in Bawku, deploying the Ghana Armed Forces to enforce the curfew and restore order. This decision came after a dangerous escalation in a long-standing chieftaincy dispute, which has fueled recent violence.
“The government wishes to stress that the curfew is not only about maintaining peace,” the statement said, “but also about ensuring a safe environment for the evacuation of students and protecting vulnerable lives.”
In a separate update, Felix Kwakye Ofosu noted that the military deployment signals a shift from peacekeeping to active enforcement, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
“In light of the recent upsurge in violence, the Ghana Armed Forces have been deployed to help restore stability,” the statement read. “We want to assure the public that all necessary steps will be taken to safeguard lives and property.”
