Bolgatanga Assembly denies 8pm event ban, says reports are inaccurate

The Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly has dismissed reports that it has imposed an 8:00 p.m. deadline on social events and ceremonies within the municipality, clarifying that there is no blanket restriction preventing such activities from continuing beyond that time.

The clarification comes after development advocate Gabriel Agambila criticised the reported directive, calling it inconsistent with the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy and warning that implementing it could make the government unpopular.

Mr Agambila said restricting events and ceremonies to 8:00 p.m. could undermine economic activities in the events industry, including entertainment, hospitality, transportation, and other businesses that operate in the evening and at night.

His comments followed a report by Bolgatanga-based Dreamz FM claiming that the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly had introduced an 8:00 p.m. cut-off time for activities including passing-out ceremonies and launching events.

The report, which was widely circulated on social media, was attributed to the Assembly’s Presiding Member and sparked public discussion about the compatibility of the reported directive with the government’s 24-Hour Economy agenda.

However, in a statement issued on Sunday, August 30, 2026, the Management of the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly denied that it had introduced any such blanket restriction.

The Assembly said the report did not represent its official position and urged the public to disregard the reported 8:00 p.m. deadline.

According to Management, the Assembly has an existing by-law regulating nocturnal ceremonies, but an amendment made in September 2024 was specifically intended to restrict persons below 18 years from attending social gatherings beyond midnight.

The Assembly stressed that the amendment should not be interpreted as an 8:00 p.m. ban on social events and ceremonies.

Management further explained that its regulations and decisions must be consistent with prevailing government policies, including the 24-Hour Economy initiative.

It said the Assembly could not introduce by-laws or resolutions that contradict national government policies.

The clarification effectively addresses concerns raised by Mr. Agambila, who had argued that an 8:00 p.m. restriction would run contrary to the government’s efforts to promote extended economic activity.

The development advocate had maintained that rather than restricting legitimate economic and social activities at an early hour, local authorities should create an environment that allows businesses and individuals to take advantage of opportunities presented by the 24-Hour Economy.

The Assembly has therefore called on residents, event organisers and the general public to disregard reports suggesting that all events and ceremonies within the municipality must end by 8:00 p.m.

Management reiterated that there is no blanket 8:00 p.m. restriction on events and ceremonies in the Bolgatanga Municipality and urged the public to rely on official communication from the Assembly for accurate information regarding its regulations and decisions.