Ghana’s Interior Ministry has extended nighttime curfews in two volatile regions, maintaining restrictions aimed at curbing ongoing tensions.
In Nkwanta Township and surrounding areas of the Oti Region, the 8:00 pm to 5:00 am curfew remains in force, while Bomaa Township in the Ahafo Region will continue observing an 11:00 pm to 4:00 am restriction.
The decision, announced by Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak on April 22, follows recommendations from regional security councils. It comes with a stern warning against weapons possession, reinforcing the existing ban on firearms and offensive weapons in Nkwanta. “Government urges restraint and encourages conflict resolution through established channels,” the statement read, emphasizing that violators will face arrest and prosecution.
These measures reflect persistent security challenges in both regions, where authorities have repeatedly imposed curfews to prevent clashes. The Nkwanta restrictions, first implemented following inter-ethnic violence, represent one of Ghana’s most stringent regional security protocols. Meanwhile, the Bomaa curfew extension suggests underlying tensions in the Ahafo Region continue requiring containment.
Security analysts note such prolonged curfews, while necessary for immediate stability, often indicate deeper unresolved conflicts requiring mediation. The government’s repeated appeals for peaceful dispute resolution highlight concerns that security measures alone cannot address root causes of regional tensions. As these restrictions enter another phase, attention turns to whether accompanying dialogue initiatives can achieve lasting solutions beyond nighttime containment strategies.
