The Ghanaian government has reduced the curfew hours imposed on Hamile Township and neighbouring communities in the Lambussie District of the Upper West Region. The restricted period has been eased from 6:00 pm to 5:00 am to 10:00 pm to 4:00 am. This change takes effect on Thursday, November 5, 2026, following a deadly explosion near the Ghana-Burkina Faso border.
The explosion, which occurred during a routine patrol, claimed the lives of an Immigration Service officer and two civilians. Another officer was critically injured and later airlifted to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra for further medical treatment. Preliminary accounts indicate that the explosion was triggered when Immigration personnel encountered suspected smugglers.
The government has maintained a complete prohibition on the possession of firearms, ammunition, and other offensive weapons within Hamile and its surrounding communities. The Interior Minister, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, warned that anyone found violating the weapons prohibition would face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law.
The curfew was initially imposed following the explosion involving a motor tricycle suspected of transporting explosives. The incident was reportedly followed by additional violence after some aggrieved young residents allegedly attacked Immigration personnel in retaliation for the deaths. Security officers are said to have returned fire during the confrontation, leaving approximately 10 people injured.
The government’s decision to reduce the curfew hours comes as authorities seek to restore calm in the border community while maintaining security measures to prevent further disturbances. The Minister for the Interior announced the adjustment in a Facebook statement, saying the decision followed recommendations from the National Security Council and was formalised through an Executive Instrument.
The injured officer was initially taken to Nandom Hospital before being airlifted to Accra for further medical treatment. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the border region. The government has appealed to traditional authorities, community opinion leaders, young people, and other residents to exercise restraint in the face of the prevailing security difficulties.
The reduction in curfew hours aims to alleviate tensions and allow residents to carry out their daily activities while ensuring that security measures are in place to prevent further incidents. Key points include the easing of curfew restrictions, a complete prohibition on the possession of firearms, and an appeal for restraint from residents.
Key points
- The government eases curfew restrictions in Hamile.
- A complete prohibition on the possession of firearms remains in place.
- Authorities seek to restore calm while maintaining security measures.
