Interior Minister lifts ban on women riding motorbikes in Bawku

The Minister for the Interior has lifted the restriction preventing women from riding motorbikes in the Bawku Municipality and its surrounding communities following advice from the National Security Council.

The directive, issued through an Executive Instrument, allows women to ride motorbikes between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. each day as part of a review of the security measures in the area.

Announcing the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the Ministry of the Interior said the move was made on the recommendation of the National Security Council.

“The Minister for the Interior, on the advice of the National Security Council and by Executive Instrument, has lifted the ban on women riding motorbikes in the Bawku Municipality and its environs,” the statement said.

It added: “Accordingly, women are now permitted to ride motorbikes between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily.”

Despite the relaxation of the restriction for women, the ministry emphasised that the existing ban on men riding motorbikes remains in force and will continue until further notice as part of ongoing efforts to maintain security in the area.

“However, the ban on men riding motorbikes remains in force until further notice,” the statement said.

The ministry also appealed to residents of Bawku and its environs to comply fully with the directive and cooperate with the security agencies in preserving peace and stability.

“The Ministry urges all residents to comply with the directive to ensure peace and security in the area,” it added.