Motorbike riding restrictions reviewed in Bawku after five years, daytime riding allowed

The Ministry of the Interior has reviewed restrictions on motorbike riding in the Bawku Municipality and its environs in the Upper East Region, allowing residents to ride motorcycles during the daytime.

The review, announced by the Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, follows advice from the National Security Council through an Executive Instrument.

Under the revised arrangement, men and women in Bawku Municipality and its environs are permitted to ride motorbikes between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily.

The Ministry said the new arrangement takes effect from Tuesday, August 25, 2026. This corrects the August 24 effective date stated in the material provided; the Ministry's official statement, issued on August 24, specifies August 25 as the effective date.

The relaxation of the motorbike restriction, however, does not affect the existing curfew in the area. The curfew remains in force from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily.

The government has also maintained a total ban on the carrying of arms, ammunition and other offensive weapons by all persons within Bawku Municipality and its environs.

The Ministry warned that anyone found in possession of arms or ammunition would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The review comes amid continuing security challenges in Bawku, where restrictions on movement and motorbike use have formed part of measures aimed at maintaining public safety and security.

The government has appealed to chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, youth and residents of the area to exercise restraint and help promote peace.

It urged residents to channel their energies through non-violent means as authorities continue efforts to address the challenges confronting the area.

The statement was signed by Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, who said the revised measures were intended to balance security considerations with the daily needs of residents.