Interior Ministry imposes 6 p.m. curfew on Hamile township

The Ministry for the Interior has imposed a mandatory daily curfew on the Hamile township and its surrounding communities in the Upper West Region, effective immediately. The curfew, which runs from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., was instituted in response to escalating security concerns in the border town. This decision follows a tragic incident where an officer of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) lost his life in an explosion believed to be linked to illegal mining activities involving dynamite. In a statement issued by the Ministry, the government emphasized that the directive was based on the recommendation of the National Security Council to prevent further instability. Beyond the movement restrictions, the authorities have also placed a total ban on the carrying or possession of arms, ammunition, or any offensive weapons within the Hamile township and its environs. The Ministry warned that any individual found violating these orders would be subject to immediate arrest and prosecution under the laws of Ghana. The recent volatility in Hamile is attributed to the dangerous use of explosives by suspected illegal miners operating in the area. The death of the immigration officer has heightened tensions, prompting the state to take these drastic measures to restore order and protect the lives of residents and security personnel. The government has urged traditional leaders, youth groups, and the general public to cooperate with the security agencies to maintain peace. Residents have been encouraged to use established non-violent channels to express any grievances rather than resorting to actions that threaten the collective safety of the community. As security forces intensify their presence in the Lambussie District, the Ministry for the Interior continues to monitor the situation closely to determine when the restrictions might be lifted. The government maintains that the safety of the border community remains a top priority during this period of heightened security alert.