The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has, by Executive Instrument, renewed the curfew hours imposed on the Bawku Municipality and its environs in the Upper East Region.

The new curfew, effective Monday, March 3, 2025, will run from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am daily. This directive comes as part of government efforts to restore and maintain peace in the conflict-prone area.

“The government calls on 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.”
Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak

In addition to the curfew renewal, a total ban has been placed on the possession and carrying of arms, ammunition, or any offensive weapons within the affected areas.

The Ministry has issued a stern warning that individuals found in possession of such weapons will be arrested and prosecuted.

The Bawku Conflict

The Bawku conflict has deep historical roots, primarily stemming from ethnic tensions, land disputes, and political rivalries. The conflict, which has been ongoing for decades, is largely between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups.

These hostilities intensified in the 1990s, exacerbated by political alignments with Ghana’s two main political parties: the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Over the years, the conflict has led to violent clashes, armed attacks, arson, and revenge killings. Vigilante groups, such as the Kusasi Youth Association and the Mamprusi Youth Association (MAYA), have been actively involved in acts of violence, further destabilizing the region.

Key factors fueling the conflict include chieftaincy disputes, competition over political power, land ownership disagreements, and economic challenges such as poverty and youth unemployment.

Despite several government interventions and peacebuilding efforts, sporadic violence continues to threaten lives and property in the area.

The enforcement of curfews has been a longstanding strategy employed by the government to curb escalations and restore order.

Following his campaign promise to prioritize peace in Bawku, President John Dramani Mahama visited the ‘Zugrana,’ the overlord of Bawku, on January 14, 2025.

During this visit, he engaged key stakeholders in discussions aimed at finding lasting solutions to the ongoing tensions.

The President has also sought the intervention of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in facilitating peace talks.

The involvement of the Asantehene, a highly respected traditional ruler, is seen as a crucial step in bringing both factions to the negotiation table.

As tensions persist, the government has reiterated the importance of peace and cooperation among residents.

The Interior Minister’s statement underscores the need for dialogue and non-violent conflict resolution mechanisms. Security agencies have been tasked with ensuring strict enforcement of the curfew and arms ban to prevent further escalations.

There have been calls from civil society organizations and conflict resolution experts for a more comprehensive approach, including economic empowerment programs and youth engagement initiatives, to address the root causes of the conflict.

The government’s resolve to maintain law and order remains firm, but achieving lasting peace will require the collective effort of all stakeholders in the region.