The Minister for the Interior has imposed a curfew on Bole Township and surrounding communities in the Savannah Region, effective Wednesday, August 27, 2025, following renewed insecurity linked to chieftaincy and land disputes.
The restriction, which will run daily from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., was announced after a series of violent clashes in Gbiniyiri, a farming community in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District, where longstanding land disputes escalated into deadly confrontations.
According to the Interior Ministry, the decision taken on the advice of the National Security Council and backed by an Executive Instrument aims to prevent further bloodshed and restore calm in the area.
So far, at least six people have been killed and 18 others injured, while dozens of families have been displaced. Farmlands, homes, and other property have also been destroyed in the violence, raising fears of a deepening humanitarian crisis.
To provide relief, the Ghana Red Cross Society has set up a temporary shelter at the Sawla District Police Headquarters to accommodate displaced women and children fleeing Gbiniyiri and nearby villages.
As part of enforcement, the government has banned the possession of firearms, ammunition, and offensive weapons within Bole and its environs. Security agencies have been instructed to arrest and prosecute anyone found violating the directive.
In addition, the Interior Ministry announced a prohibition on “pair riding” on motorbikes throughout the day, citing its frequent use by rival groups in carrying out attacks.
The wearing of war regalia and traditional battle attire has also been banned, with authorities warning that such displays could provoke further clashes among feuding factions.
The Ministry appealed to chiefs, opinion leaders, youth groups, and residents of Bole to exercise restraint and seek peaceful avenues for resolving their differences. It urged community leaders to channel their influence toward dialogue, reconciliation, and the preservation of social harmony.
“The curfew is a temporary but necessary step to protect lives and property. Government remains committed to working with local stakeholders to restore peace,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, security forces have been deployed to maintain order, with the Interior Ministry assuring residents that the restrictions will be reviewed as soon as conditions improve.
