Gov’t Imposes Total Ban on Weapons, Curfew in Bawku and Nalerigu Amid Escalating Violence
Accra, July 29, 2025 — The Government of Ghana has imposed a total ban on the possession of arms, ammunition, and offensive weapons in Bawku, Nalerigu, and their surrounding communities, following a deadly escalation of violence that has left multiple people dead, including two senior high school students.
In a statement issued on Sunday, July 27, the Minister for the Interior, acting on the advice of both the North East and Upper East Regional Security Councils, announced that anyone found in possession of weapons will be arrested and prosecuted without exception.
This follows a sweeping security directive that also includes the imposition of curfews in both conflict-prone towns, effective from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily, until further notice.
“Government calls on the Chiefs, Elders, Opinion Leaders, Youth and people of the area to exercise restraint… and to use non-violent means to channel their energies into ensuring peace,” the statement read.
The drastic measures come in response to a resurgence in the long-standing chieftaincy conflict in Bawku and the recent targeted killings of students and civilians in the region. On Saturday, July 26, two students from Nalerigu Senior High School were gunned down by unidentified assailants, prompting widespread alarm and calls for intensified security.
Evacuation of Students Underway
The Office of the President, through Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has announced the immediate evacuation of students from various educational institutions in Bawku, Nalerigu, and surrounding areas. The decision, according to the government, is aimed at preventing further loss of life among young people who have reportedly become targets in the conflict.
“The curfew is intended to create an environment conducive to the evacuation of all students… some of whom have been unfortunately targeted,” Mr. Ofosu said in a follow-up statement.
Peacekeeping Becomes Peace Enforcement
In a sharp escalation of the government’s security posture, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have been deployed not just to maintain order, but to enforce peace in Bawku and its environs.
“The deployment of troops marks a shift from peacekeeping to peace enforcement,” Felix Kwakye Ofosu stated. “The Ghana Armed Forces will take all necessary measures to protect lives and property.”
The renewed violence, especially the use of motorbike-riding gunmen, has raised deep concerns about the spread of weapons and the vulnerability of civilians, prompting authorities to enforce stricter weapon control measures.
The Ministry of the Interior has reiterated that the curfew and arms ban will remain in force until peace and normalcy are fully restored in the affected areas.
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