Bawku conflict: Residents Kick Against Curfew

Some residents of Bawku in the Upper East Region have expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s decision to impose a one-sided and half-baked curfew on the town.

These residents registered their displeasure at what they indicated was the politicization of the measures of government in dealing with the conflict.

They called for a curfew in Walewale if curfew is the best option, indicating that the conflict between the Mamprusis and Kusasis is not restricted to Bawku alone.

“The conflict is in Walewale and Bawku so if the curfew is imposed in Bawku, then it should also be imposed in Walewale…If there is no curfew in Walewale, there should also be no curfew in Walewale. They should give us a break,” one woman spewed.

Another added, “We don’t need a curfew in Bawku because what happened in Bawku is the same thing that is happening in Walewale but they don’t operate a curfew there. We will not respect any security man here. If they want they should fire us.”

The government on October 28 announced an indefinite 12-hour curfew on Bawku from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM in accordance with the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491) following the renewal of the tension between the factions over the weekend.

On Sunday, reports indicated that eight people were killed when the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway was blocked by gunmen who opened fire on oncoming vehicles.

It followed Saturday night’s gun battle that claimed two lives and maimed numerous others.

This was stoked by the return of Mr Seidu Abagre- who was allegedly illegally enskinned as Bawku Naba in February 2023- to the town on October 24 after an arrest warrant was issued against him was subsequently quashed by the Court of Appeal in  Kumasi.

According to a statement issued by the Deputy Minister of Interior, Hon Naana Eyiah, on October 28, 2024, the continuous presence of Mr. Seidu Abagre in Bawku poses a substantial threat to public safety and security.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini