The Minister of Interior, Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak, has issued a strong warning to residents of Bawku and its environs regarding the total ban on the possession of firearms, ammunition, and offensive weapons.
He emphasized that anyone found violating this directive will face immediate arrest and prosecution.
His statement follows the renewal of the curfew hours imposed on Bawku Municipality and its surrounding areas in the Upper East Region.
The curfew, which runs from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, takes effect from Monday, March 3, 2025.
“The government urges Chiefs, Elders, Opinion Leaders, and the youth to exercise restraint and use non-violent means to address their concerns,” the Minister stated.
Amid ongoing tensions in Bawku, top government officials, including the Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, met to reassess the security situation. The meeting aimed to reinforce efforts to restore stability in the area.
Following discussions, Dr. Boamah reaffirmed President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to resolving the Bawku conflict through traditional mechanisms.
“We reviewed the current security situation relating to the dispute in Bawku. As the President has assured, we will continue to follow the comprehensive roadmap to restore lasting peace,” Dr. Boamah stated in an official release.
In recent months, the government has intensified security efforts in Bawku to curb violence and maintain law and order. Security personnel have been deployed to enforce the curfew and ensure compliance with the arms ban.
Authorities caution that anyone caught flouting these measures will be prosecuted without exception.
Meanwhile, the government has urged all factions involved in the conflict to embrace dialogue as the only path to sustainable peace.
With tensions still high, the government appeals to all parties to prioritize peace and cooperate with security forces.
The Ministry of Interior has assured the public that it remains committed to fostering stability in the region.
As Bawku remains under tight security watch, all eyes are on the government’s roadmap to see whether it will bring an end to the long-standing conflict.
Source – Ministry of Interior
