Government imposes 12-hour daily curfew on Bawku as tensions remain high

The Ministry of the Interior has announced a 12-hour daily curfew on Bawku, effective Monday, 28 October 2024.

According to the ministry, the decision comes in response to rising tensions in the area due to the return of Seidu Abagre, whose enskinment as Bawku Naaba has been described as illegal.

“The return to Bawku, on 24 October 2024, of Mr. Seidu Abagre, who was illegally enskinned as Bawku Naaba in February 2023, subsequent to the vacation by the Court of Appeal, sitting in Kumasi, of the warrant for his arrest, has led to significant disturbances affecting public peace and security in the area. Unfortunately, these disturbances have resulted in the loss of numerous lives in Bawku and its environs, with a looming threat of escalation beyond Bawku.

“Based on assessments by national security agencies, the continued presence of Mr. Seidu Abagre in Bawku poses a substantial threat to public safety and security. In light of the foregoing, pursuant to the provisions of the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491), a curfew is hereby imposed on Bawku from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM, commencing today, Monday, 28 October 2024, until further notice,” the statement said.

The statement assured the government’s commitment to ensuring peace and safety within the Bawku area and urged residents to cooperate fully with security agencies in the quest to restore peace and normalcy in the area.

“Any person found violating this curfew will face the full consequences of the law,” the statement added.

Recent escalation in the Bawku conflict has resulted in the death of some 15 persons.

A new attack erupted on October 27, 2024, as assailants set up roadblocks in Gbimbisi and Walewale towns, stopping vehicles to identify and target individuals, which resulted in the death of at least 8 individuals.



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