Ghana’s Interior Ministry has renewed a nighttime curfew in Walewale, North East Region, effective April 28, 2025, amid ongoing efforts to stabilize security in the area.
The curfew, now in effect from 10:00 pm to 4:00 am daily, follows recommendations by the North East Regional Security Council and was enacted via executive order by Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak.
In a statement issued Monday, the ministry urged community leaders, youth, and residents to “exercise restraint” and pursue non-violent avenues to address grievances. It also imposed a total ban on carrying arms, ammunition, or offensive weapons within Walewale and surrounding areas, warning violators would face arrest and prosecution.
The extension revises an earlier dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on February 15, 2025, which initially ran from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am. That measure followed escalating tensions in the region, though specific triggers remain undisclosed. Authorities have not detailed recent incidents but emphasized collaboration with local stakeholders to restore calm.
Walewale, a hub in the North East, has periodically faced security challenges linked to land disputes, ethnic friction, and resource conflicts. The renewed curfew underscores the government’s balancing act between maintaining order and addressing root causes of unrest. Analysts note that prolonged security measures risk straining community relations if not paired with dialogue and development initiatives.
The Interior Ministry’s latest move reflects a broader strategy to mitigate volatility in northern Ghana, where intermittent clashes have tested national cohesion. While curfews provide short-term stability, long-term resolutions hinge on equitable resource distribution and inclusive governance. For now, Walewale’s residents navigate another chapter of restricted movement, hoping peacebuilding efforts match the urgency of enforcement.
