The number of communities under curfew in Ghana has fallen sharply from 11 to just three, signalling a significant improvement in the country’s security situation, Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has said.
According to the Minister, the reduction in curfews reflects progress in efforts by the government and security agencies to restore peace and normalcy in areas previously affected by violent conflicts.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series Press Conference at the Presidency in Accra, Mr Muntaka said Ghana is currently “much safer” than it was in 2025.
He commended personnel of the security services for their sacrifices and commitment to protecting lives and property, noting that many officers have had to spend long periods away from their families in the line of duty.
The Minister said government’s objective is to eventually have a country where no community is subjected to movement restrictions.
“Our wish is to make sure that we are almost a country without a single community being restricted. But we are left with three curfews,” he said.
He explained that even in the remaining affected areas, the duration of the restrictions had been reduced considerably, indicating an improvement in the security situation.
Bawku restrictions eased
Mr Muntaka cited Bawku as a major example of the progress made.
He said the curfew in Bawku, which previously imposed more extensive restrictions, is now observed from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
He further disclosed that government had, on Monday, lifted restrictions on motorcycle movement in the area as part of efforts to restore normal economic and social activities.
Restrictions on movement during the day had also been eased, with residents allowed greater freedom between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
The Minister attributed some of the progress in Bawku to interventions by the National Peace Council, which has been engaging the parties involved in the conflict.
He said government has also secured support from the Japanese Government to assist the peacebuilding process.
Mr Muntaka expressed optimism that continued engagement among the parties would help consolidate the gains made and eventually lead to the complete lifting of the curfew.
Sampa and Nkwanta remain under restrictions
Despite the improvement nationally, the Minister said security challenges persist in some areas.
He identified Sampa and Nkwanta as the other communities where curfews remain in force.
In Sampa, the curfew is currently imposed from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., while authorities continue to work towards resolving the underlying security concerns.
Mr Muntaka said the National Peace Council has begun engaging stakeholders in Sampa as part of efforts to find a lasting solution.
In Nkwanta, he said a Peace Mediation Committee involving the parties to the conflict has already been established to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation.
The Interior Minister urged chiefs, elders and other stakeholders on all sides of the conflicts to continue cooperating with the government and security agencies.
He stressed that sustained collaboration would be critical to achieving lasting peace and allowing all affected communities to return fully to normal life.
