Government imposes 11-hour curfew in Hamile township

The government has imposed an 11-hour daily curfew in Hamile and its surrounding communities in the Lambussie District following a fatal dynamite explosion near the Ghana-Burkina Faso border. The restriction, which is effective immediately, requires residents to remain indoors from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily. The decision was made upon the advice of the National Security Council after a blast on November 3, 2026, resulted in the deaths of a Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) officer and at least two civilians. Alongside the curfew, authorities have implemented a total ban on the possession of firearms and offensive weapons in the area to prevent further violence.

The explosion occurred when GIS personnel attempted to intercept a motor tricycle transporting suspected dynamite along an unauthorized route. Preliminary reports and eyewitness accounts suggest the explosives detonated after security forces fired at the tricycle's tires in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The blast instantly killed the tricycle rider and a GIS officer, while another officer sustained critical injuries. Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak confirmed in Parliament that an Air Force medical team has since airlifted the injured officer from Nandom Hospital to Accra for specialized emergency care.

The tragedy has sparked significant unrest within the Hamile township, leading to confrontations between local youth and security personnel. Reports indicate the death toll may have reached four following these subsequent clashes, with several others injured by stray bullets during military efforts to restore order. Military forces have been deployed to reinforce police and immigration presence in the town. In response to the volatility, the GIS has launched a full investigation into the circumstances of the explosion and cautioned the public against circulating unverified images or reports that could exacerbate community tensions.

Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak has appealed to local chiefs and elders to intervene and help calm the agitated youth to avoid a further escalation of hostilities. While the curfew remains in place to ensure public safety, security consultant Richard Kumadoe has urged the government to review the restrictions within the next few days to minimize the impact on local livelihoods and economic activities. The Ministry of the Interior has emphasized that border security operations continue and has called for community cooperation as investigations into the transport of the hazardous materials proceed.