Government lifts curfew in Hamile following improved security conditions

The government has lifted the curfew imposed on Hamile and surrounding communities in the Lambussie District of the Upper West Region, following an improvement in the security situation.

The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, announced the decision in a statement, explaining that it was taken on the recommendation of the National Security Council and through an Executive Instrument, with immediate effect.

The move brings an end to restrictions imposed 6 days earlier after an explosion on November 3 claimed the lives of a Ghana Immigration Service officer and 2 civilians.

The blast occurred during a patrol operation near the Ghana-Burkina Faso border, when immigration officers were reportedly pursuing suspected smugglers using an unauthorised route.

The incident triggered heightened tensions in the area, leading to confrontations between some residents and security personnel, with several people reportedly sustaining injuries.

Government initially introduced a daily curfew from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. but subsequently adjusted the restricted hours to 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. on November 5 after security conditions showed signs of improvement.

The lifting of the curfew follows earlier concerns by the Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Samuel Basintale Amadu, who had insisted that restrictions would remain in place until the safety of officers deployed to the community could be guaranteed.

In its latest announcement, the Interior Ministry called on traditional authorities, community leaders, young people and residents to help sustain the improved security conditions and prevent a return to violence.

“Government urges Chiefs, Opinion Leaders, Youth, and people in the area to exercise restraint in the face of the challenges confronting them and to use non-violent means to channel their grievances into ensuring peace in the area,” the statement said.

However, the announcement did not clarify whether the separate restrictions on the possession of firearms, ammunition and other offensive weapons introduced alongside the curfew had also been lifted.