Peace prevails in Bawku; curfew lifted
The 18 months old curfew imposed on the Upper East Regional town of Bawku has been lifted in what government officials attribute to lasting peace at a place with a reputation for violence.
Hundreds of people have been shot, lynched in a protracted ethnic strife between the Kusasis and Mamprusis with properties running into several thousands of cedis reduced to ashes.
The situation, forced the NDC government to carry on the culture of curfews as a measure to end the needless slaughter. The curfew imposed at a point was at 4:00 pm-6:00 am but was later reviewed to 11:00 pm -6:00 am.
But upon the advice of the Municipal Security Council the curfew has entirely been lifted.
Regional Minister, Mark Wayongo in an interview with Joy News' Dzifa Bampoh said the curfew was lifted after a careful review of the security situation.
He explained for “18 months there has not been serious breach of peace and that gives cause to believe there will be lasting peace in the region.”
“All is well,” he stated, insisting, "the combatants now have a change of hearts."
He was quick to add that the security personnel will still be patrolling the area to ensure there is no backlash.
However, the ban on the use of motor bikes by men is still in force, Wayongo pointed out, adding the situation will be reviewed when necessary.
Motor bikes were used to commit some of the dastardly acts of killing in the area.
The Regional Minister thanked the two ethnic groups for giving peace a chance as well as the inter-ethnic peace committee for brokering a lasting peace in the region.
The Member of Parliament for Bawku, Adamu Dramani was elated with the lifting of the curfew.
He told Joy News the curfew was like a “stigma” on the people of Bawku.
He however urged the security personnel to be on the alert. He said with the farming season beckoning there could be misunderstanding on farm lands and land tenure issues.
Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana