President John Dramani Mahama has appealed to the people of Bawku in the Upper East Region and Nkwanta in the Oti Region to allow peace to prevail. He emphasized that the current situation, in which individuals are shot and killed, is unacceptable. During an address to chiefs at the seat of government in Accra on Tuesday, July 29, he stated, “We cannot accept the ongoing violence that has led to students being shot and killed. It is unacceptable that teachers and students have fled Bawku out of fear for their lives.
“We have entrusted the mediation efforts to Otumfuo, who has been providing me with constant updates on the progress being made. We are close to a resolution. The current violence and killings can only be instigated by those who wish to undermine these mediation efforts. Let us choose to give peace a chance.
“As the army has announced, I have instructed them to transition from peacekeeping to peace enforcement, meaning they will take more robust action against anyone involved in criminal activities. We must strive for peace, not only in Bawku, but also in Nkwanta and all other regions currently experiencing conflict.”
Before his comments, the Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, assured that peace would be restored in Bawku and its surrounding areas. He revealed that the government is taking significant steps to re-equip the Ghana Armed Forces to ensure internal peace and security throughout the country, as well as to protect Ghana’s territories.
In a post on his Facebook page, he said, “We’re taking additional significant steps to re-tool the Ghana Armed Forces, ensuring internal peace and security everywhere and safeguarding our territories. The Mahama Government is committed to #ResetGhana, and we’re working tirelessly to make it happen.
“Lasting peace shall surely return to Bawku and all affected areas. Let’s collaborate and build a safer, stronger Ghana together!”
The government has announced that there is a total ban on all persons in the Nalerigu and Bawku townships and their environs from carrying arms, ammunition or any offensive weapons.
Therefore, any person found with any arms or ammunition will be arrested and prosecuted.
On Sunday, July 27, the Minister for the Interior, on the advice of the North East Regional Security Council and by Executive Instrument, imposed curfew hours on Nalerigu Township and its environs in the North East Region from 2:00 pm to 6:00 am, effective Sunday, July 27, 2025, until further notice.
“Government calls on the 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,” a statement said.
Similarly, on the advice of the Upper East Regional Security Council and by Executive Instrument, the Minister reviewed the curfew hours for Bawku Municipality and its environs in the Upper East Region from 2:00 pm to 6:00 am, effective Sunday, July 27, 2025, until further notice.
“Government calls on the 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.
“Meanwhile, there is a total ban on all persons in the Bawku Municipality and its environs from carrying arms, ammunition or any offensive weapons and any persons found with any arms or ammunition will be arrested and prosecuted,” another statement said.
This development comes on the back of recent killings, including the death of two Nalerigu SHS students on Saturday, July 27, 2025.
The students were killed by unidentified gunmen who stormed the school’s premises in the early hours of Saturday, July 26.
The government has announced an evacuation of all students in various educational institutions from Bawku, Nalerigu and affected areas, some of whom have been unfortunately targeted in the conflict.
A statement issued on Sunday, July 27 by the Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu noted that the curfew imposed in Bawku and its environs is to create an environment conducive to the evacuation of students.
In an earlier statement issued on Sunday, the government said it has taken steps in tackling the renewed unrest in Bawku by directing the Ghana Armed Forces to enforce curfews and maintain law and order in the area, following a dangerous escalation in the chieftaincy conflict.
“Further to the statement issued by The Ministry of the Interior announcing the imposition of a curfew in Bawku, Nalerugu and its environs, from 2pm to 6am effective today, Sunday, 27th July, 2025, until further notice, government wants to stress that in addition to helping to enforce peace, the curfew is intended to create an environment conducive to the evacuation of all students in various educational institutions in affected areas, some of whom have been unfortunately targeted in the conflict,” the statement said.
According to a press statement issued by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Government Communications and Spokesperson to the President, the deployment of troops marks a shift from peacekeeping to peace enforcement, reflecting the urgency of the situation on the ground.
The directive comes in the wake of recent killings and heightened tensions in Bawku and nearby communities, which threaten to derail ongoing peace efforts and destabilise the region.
“In response to the recent escalation of violence… the Ghana Armed Forces have been deployed to maintain law and order, as we intensify curfews to ensure public safety,” the statement said. “We assure the public that the Ghana Armed Forces will take all necessary measures to protect lives and property.”
By Laud Nartey
