Ghana: Security curfews remain in place in several areas of the country as of July 25 /update 11

Event

As of July 25, authorities are maintaining security curfews in several areas across the country. Movement in public is generally restricted during curfew periods. Even outside curfew hours, authorities prohibit people from carrying weapons, ammunition, or similar material. Affected locations include:

• Bawku (Upper East Region): 20:00-05:00

• Bimbilla and Kpatinga (Northern Region): 00:00-04:00

• Saboba (Northern Region): 22:00-04:00

• Chereponi (North East Region): 22:00-04:00

• Bunkpurugu (North East Region): 20:00-06:00

• Alavanyo and Nkonya (Oti Region): 18:00-06:00

• Drobo, Japekrom, Babianiha, Kwasibourkrom, Mpuasu, Basekrom, Kojokesekrom, and Katakyiekrom (Bono Region): 20:00-05:00

• Bomaa (Ahafo Region): 23:00-04:00

An increased security personnel presence and movement and commercial disruptions will likely persist in the affected areas. Locals opposed to the measure could stage protests; police will likely forcibly disperse any gatherings that materialize.

Context

The curfews remain in place due to insecurity and violence linked to longstanding grievances and communal disputes; some of these curfews have been in effect for several years. In Bawku, officials deployed about 1,000 security personnel in early April due to renewed violence that killed at least 20 individuals between December 2022 and February 2023. Violence has been reported as recently as July 21, when an unidentified assailant shot at a bus Bawku-bound bus, leaving one person dead and several others injured.

Advice

Abide by the conditions of the curfews. Carry personal identification documents. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel. Plan for movement and business disruptions. Avoid all demonstrations.