Review Bawku Curfew Hours Downwards – Ayariga

The Presidential Spokesperson, Mahama Ayariga, is asking for a downward review of the curfew hours in the Bawku Municipality, to make life more bearable for residents in the area and also allow Muslims in the area to undergo their normal duties in this season of Ramadan.

Mr. Ayariga, highlighted that activities of Muslims have been restricted since the curfew was imposed in Bawku, and described the curfew hours as too “harsh.” He, however, admitted that he is not fully apprised of the situation that informed the security agencies to take that action.

“I personally regret the situation and I’ll use this opportunity to call on the REGSEC to review the curfew downwards… I think that it is too harsh, I plead with… to review the hours downwards, especially in this month of Ramadan, so that we can exercise our religious beliefs… I think that our success lies more in engagement with one another, interaction than closure in our homes at these times,” he said in an interview with Kwami Sefa Kayi on PEACEFM’s “Kokrokoo”.

On Sunday, the Interior Minister, in consultation with the Bawku Municipal Security Council, imposed an 18hour curfew on the Bawku Municipality when they ordered residents to go indoors at 1300 hours Sunday until 0600 hours Monday following shooting incidents that claimed six lives.

Mr Ayariga stressed that President Mills is determined to bring closure to the Bawku issue, adding that “it’s not an impossible situation” if perpetrators of crime who usually identify themselves with party colors are punished.

“…Until the people of Bawku are able to distinguish between pure criminality and ethnic conflict, it will be a major step in resolving the issue…The issue in Bawku is the methods used in resolving disagreements. It’s not the best that is why the conflict keeps recurring,” he said.

Source: Emmanuel Bekoe/Peacefmonline