GIS Boss rules out immediate lifting of Hamile curfew

The Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Samuel Basintale Amadu, has dismissed the possibility of an immediate end to the curfew in Hamile, Upper West Region, saying the safety of security personnel must be guaranteed before the restrictions can be lifted.

He maintained that government would not ease the measures while officers deployed to the border community continued to face threats, warning that doing so could leave security personnel vulnerable to further attacks.

The position differs from demands by traditional leaders and youth groups in Hamile, who have called for the curfew to be scrapped over its disruption to commercial activities and residents' daily routines.

Amadu made the remarks during a visit to the community following an explosion on November 3 that claimed the life of an immigration officer and left another critically injured. The incident was followed by violent confrontations between residents and security personnel.

The officers were reportedly pursuing suspected smugglers along an unauthorised route known as Mountain Batu when the explosion occurred.

Tensions subsequently escalated, with an angry crowd reportedly attacking the immigration office with stones and setting tyres ablaze. The ensuing clashes left 11 people injured.

Government initially imposed a curfew restricting movement between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. However, the hours were later adjusted to 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. following reports of improved calm in the area.

According to the GIS Comptroller-General, the National Security Council is willing to consider lifting the restriction if community leaders can provide assurances that residents, particularly the youth, will cooperate with security personnel.

He disclosed that security agencies had received threats targeting some officers, including individuals who had been specifically identified. He said such developments made it difficult for authorities to guarantee the safety of personnel without clear commitments from the community.

Amadu called on traditional authorities and youth leaders to take responsibility for calming tensions and encouraging residents to avoid actions that could trigger further violence.

Beyond the security concerns, he warned that continued disruption at the Hamile border could have serious consequences for local businesses and cross-border commerce.

He pointed out that the border serves as a major transit route for cargo heading to Mali, cautioning that a prolonged closure could cause severe congestion and create additional security difficulties.

He therefore urged residents to recognise the importance of the Immigration Service and other security agencies in protecting Ghana's borders, facilitating lawful trade and maintaining national security.

The Divisional Chief of Hamile, Hilla Dyaka Thomas Badakum III, welcomed the Comptroller-General's visit and assured that traditional authorities remained committed to working with security agencies to resolve the tensions and restore lasting peace to the community.