The government has initiated steps to evacuate students from schools within the Bawku enclave following renewed clashes that have resulted in deaths, injuries, and attacks on educational institutions.
The decision comes amid heightened tensions and sporadic violence in the area, which has not spared academic facilities.
On Saturday, July 26, three senior high school (SHS) students — one reportedly from Bawku SHS and two from Nalerigu — were gruesomely gunned down by unidentified assailants linked to the ongoing ethnic conflict in the region. Two of the victims have been identified as Lukman and Gideon.
According to situational reports, the students were forcibly taken from their dormitories and shot in broad daylight.
In response, a statement from the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, indicated that coordinated efforts are underway to ensure the safe evacuation of students from various high-risk educational institutions across the enclave.
“Government wants to stress that the curfew is aimed at restoring calm and normalcy, conducive to the safe evacuation of students in the enclave — some of whom have, unfortunately, become victims of the ongoing conflict,” the statement read.
Following the tragic events, the Ministry of the Interior has renewed the curfew in the area, now set from 2:00 PM to 6:00 AM daily, effective immediately. Additionally, a ban has been placed on the possession and use of offensive weapons in designated areas.
The government has warned that failure to comply with the curfew and weapons ban will result in severe sanctions under a newly announced peace enforcement initiative.
Authorities are calling on chiefs, opinion leaders, residents, and the general public to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security forces to restore peace and stability in the region.
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Story by Sika Togoh|univers.ug.edu.gh