Curfew in Nkwanta extended

The curfew imposed on the Nkwanta township in the Oti Region has been extended.

The extension, which came into force yesterday, will run from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily and was imposed on the advice of the Oti Regional Security Council to address the emerging security concerns in the area.

Also, a ban has been placed on all persons in the Nkwanta township and its environs from carrying arms, ammunition or any offensive weapon.

“Any person found with any arms or ammunition will be arrested and prosecuted,” a statement signed by the Chief Director of the ministry, Doreen P. Annan, said.

The statement, on behalf of the government, urged residents to exercise restraint and resolve conflicts through established mechanisms, stressing that the curfew was aimed at safeguarding lives and property while fostering a conducive environment for resolving the disputes amicably.

Conflict

The curfew was initially imposed on the community on January 20, following a renewed conflict, which erupted in Nkwanta on January 16, resulting in three fatalities and several injuries.

The ongoing conflict in the Nkwanta township stems from a long-standing ethnic dispute that has fuelled tensions among the Akyodes, Adeles and Challas in the catchment area.

The situation in the Nkwanta township remains calm but tense and currently, a combined force of military and police personnel have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order and quell the ongoing violence in the area while ensuring the safety of residents and property in the area.