The vehicle of North East Regional Minister, Ibrahim Tia, was vandalized by angry youth in Walewale on Saturday night following protests against a government-imposed curfew.
The minister, who had visited the community to address concerns, was unharmed, but it took military intervention to rescue him from the agitated crowd.
The protest erupted after the government, on the advice of the North East Regional Security Council (REGSEC), imposed a 6 PM to 6 AM curfew on Walewale and surrounding areas due to recent disturbances that have resulted in multiple deaths and injuries.
Residents, including traditional leaders, strongly opposed the curfew, arguing that it does not address the rising insecurity along the Tamale-Walewale-Bolgatanga highway.
The protestors, clad in red, stormed the palace of the Chief of Walewale, Mba Duraana, to register their anger and demand explanations from the minister.
However, unsatisfied with his response, some members of the crowd reportedly attacked and vandalized his vehicle. Security forces swiftly intervened to restore order and escort the minister to safety.
The curfew follows a series of violent incidents in the area, including deadly attacks on travelers and allegations of military brutality against residents. In recent weeks, unknown assailants have ambushed and burned vehicles along the Tamale-Walewale-Bolgatanga highway, resulting in multiple deaths and severe injuries.
Security forces deployed in response to the attacks have been accused of using excessive force. Reports indicate that on January 14, 2025, military personnel stormed homes and businesses in Walewale, allegedly assaulting residents indiscriminately.
Similar crackdowns occurred on February 14 and 15, leading to the deaths of two individuals—36-year-old Imoro Hafiz and 45-year-old Alhaji Sumaila—while many others sustained injuries.
The most recent military operation was reportedly in response to an arson attack in Loagri, a suburb of Walewale, where four people, including a baby, lost their lives.
Community leaders and local representatives have condemned the curfew and called for its immediate reversal.
The Assemblyman for the Fongni Electoral Area, Mohammed Saani, argued that Walewale is not involved in the ongoing Bawku conflict and should not be subjected to restrictive measures.
“Walewale has no hand in the conflict, so if the government wants to address the issue, then it must immediately withdraw the curfew. Walewale is a cosmopolitan town because we live with Kusaasis, Frafras, and various tribes without any issues. We are peace-loving people. There are Kusaasis in Mamprugu who are living peacefully, and we are not ready to engage in any reprisal attacks,” Saani was quoted by graphic.com.gh as saying.
He further called for increased security patrols along the Tamale-Walewale-Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom highway to ensure travelers’ safety.
The Member of Parliament for Walewale, Dr. Mahama Tia Abdul-Kabiru, has also criticized the curfew and alleged military brutalities, describing the decision as politically motivated.
“The Interior Ministry together with the Ministry of Defense consulted with MPs from the Bawku area without extending an olive branch to those of us equally affected in this matter. This is clearly a decision that does not seek to foster peace but an attempt to use state power to punish innocent civilians,” he said.
Dr. Abdul-Kabiru called for a review of the decision, urging the government to engage affected communities in meaningful dialogue rather than imposing restrictions that could escalate tensions.
The Bawku conflict, a long-standing chieftaincy dispute over the ownership of the Bawku skin (Na’am), has resulted in years of violence, claiming many lives and destroying property worth millions of Ghana cedis.
The unrest has spilled over to major highways, with armed groups targeting travelers along the Tamale-Walewale-Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom route. Residents of Walewale insist that their town is not a party to the conflict and demand that the government focus on arresting criminals rather than punishing innocent civilians through curfews.
Voice of aggrieved residents
No comment yet, add your voice below!