Interior Ministry Imposes Weapons Ban In Bawku

The Ministry for the Interior has, by Executive Instrument, renewed the curfew on Bawku Municipality and its environs in the Upper East Region.

Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has revised the curfew hours to 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, effective Monday, February 24, 2025. This announcement was made in a statement issued on the same day.

The government urges chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, youth, and residents to exercise restraint amidst ongoing challenges and prioritize peaceful resolutions to conflicts.

A total ban remains in effect on the possession of arms, ammunition, and offensive weapons within the affected communities. Authorities warn that anyone found in possession of such weapons will be arrested and prosecuted.

Read Also: 8 Travelers Killed In Bawku Conflict-Linked Attack

Background

In October 2024, eight travelers were killed in a brutal attack on the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway near Gbimsi, close to Walewale, in northern Ghana. This incident, linked to the ongoing Bawku conflict, has sparked widespread security concerns.

Armed men erected roadblocks in Gbimsi and Walewale Town, stopping vehicles to identify and target individuals. Passengers were subjected to interrogation, resulting in the death of eight people and the burning of two vehicles.

A survivor described the terrifying experience: “I was traveling from Sunyani to Paga. Upon reaching Walewale, people had mounted roadblocks and were searching for individuals to kill. The incident lasted for over an hour, and security didn’t respond.”

The attack, related to a recent escalation of the Bawku conflict, has heightened tensions in the region. The conflict, ongoing for decades, has seen a resurgence after a period of relative peace.

Supreme Court Subsequently Shuts 7 Courts In Bawku

In October 2024, Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo ordered the immediate closure of seven courts in the Upper East Region to protect judges, personnel, and court users. This move was a reaction to growing violence in the region, specifically Bawku, caused by chieftaincy disputes.

The courts affected were Bolgatanga High Court, Circuit Court in Bolgatanga, Bolgatanga District Court, District Court Zuarungu, District Court Zebilla, Garu District Court, and Bongo District Court. Additionally, since the conflict resumed in November 2021, Bawku’s Circuit and District courts have already been closed, forcing locals to seek court services in neighboring districts.