Residents of Bawku in the Upper East Region have been given a new lease of life after government on Tuesday, March 10, lifted a four-year ban on motor-riding in the municipality.
The ban was imposed during the peak of protracted tribal conflicts between the Kusasis and Mamprusis in the border town.
Speaking on TV3 on Tuesday, Minister of Interior Mark Owen Woyongo said residents will be allowed to ride their bikes from 6:00am to 6:00pm daily.
“But the main riders are still not allowed to have pillion riders,” added Mr Woyongo, who is also Member of Parliament for Navrongo Central Constituency.
He said the decision was reached upon recommendation by the municipal and regional security committees.
He further indicated that the police will be on the ground to monitor the movement of residents between 6:00pm and 6:00am.
“Anybody who is caught after 6:00pm riding a motorbike will face the full rigours of the law.”
The fresh decision is expected to boost trading activities in the municipality especially between the Burkinabes and Togolese.
“I hope that the people will not abuse the opportunity,” he noted.
The ban had taken a heavy toll on health, education and general well-being of the people since the use of motorbikes remained a key means of transportation in the area.
