Ghana: Minors subject to curfew in Tamale starting September 27

Event

On Wednesday, September 13, authorities in Tamale, the capital of Northern region, announced plans to implement a citywide curfew for children set to go into effect on Wednesday, September 27. The curfew will be in effect nightly beginning at 22:00 (local time). Children caught unaccompanied on the streets after this time will be brought to juvenile court. The curfew will only apply to children; however, the announcement did not clarify the specific age range affected.

Context

The curfew comes as Ghana is experiencing an uptick in crime, including that from juvenile delinquency. More generally, incidents of violence are common in Ghana, particularly between rival ethnic groups in the north.

Advice

Individuals should remain vigilant at all times due to high crime rates, particularly in Accra and other major cities (maintain a low profile, be particularly vigilant at night, be aware that criminals may be armed, etc.). On a separate note, individuals present in the country are advised to be particularly prudent in the northeastern regions where there are periodic outbreaks of violence and occasional curfews.