The Ministry of the Interior has reviewed restrictions on motorbike riding in the Bawku Municipality and its environs in the Upper East Region, allowing both men and women to ride during specified daytime hours.
The new directive, issued by the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka-Mubarak, on the advice of the National Security Council and through an Executive Instrument, takes effect on Monday, August 25, 2026.
Under the revised arrangement, men and women are permitted to ride motorbikes between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily.
The decision represents a further easing of security restrictions that have been imposed in Bawku as authorities continue efforts to restore normalcy to the municipality.
Curfew remains in force
Despite the relaxation of the motorbike restriction, the government has made it clear that the 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew remains in force.
Residents are therefore expected to continue observing the curfew hours, with security agencies mandated to enforce the restrictions.
The government has also maintained a total ban on the carrying and possession of arms, ammunition and offensive weapons within Bawku Municipality and its surrounding areas.
Anyone found in possession of arms or ammunition will be arrested and prosecuted, according to the Interior Ministry.
Background to the restrictions
Bawku has been under prolonged security restrictions because of recurring violence associated with the longstanding chieftaincy dispute in the area. The conflict has historically involved competing claims surrounding the Bawku traditional leadership and has periodically resulted in deaths, injuries, displacement and disruption to economic and social activities.
The government has repeatedly resorted to curfews and restrictions on movement as part of efforts to contain violence and prevent further escalation.
In 2025, the Interior Ministry reviewed the Bawku curfew several times as the security situation changed. At different stages, the curfew hours were adjusted from longer periods of restriction to shorter night-time hours.
By January 2026, the government had renewed the Bawku curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. At the time, the restrictions also included a ban on motorbike riding, as well as the prohibition on carrying arms, ammunition and offensive weapons.
Gradual easing of motorbike restrictions
The latest decision follows an earlier relaxation announced in July 2026.
On July 29, the Interior Ministry allowed women in Bawku and its environs to ride motorbikes between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., while the restriction on men riding motorbikes remained in place.
The latest directive now extends the same daytime concession to men, meaning both men and women can use motorbikes during the permitted hours.
The move is being presented as part of the government’s broader effort to gradually restore normal life while maintaining measures considered necessary for public safety.
Interior Minister Muntaka-Mubarak has indicated that government wants to progressively remove restrictions in communities where the security situation has improved, while continuing to work with local stakeholders to achieve lasting peace.
Security measures remain
Although residents will have greater freedom to use motorbikes during the day, the continued curfew and weapons ban demonstrate that the government still considers the security situation sufficiently sensitive to warrant special measures.
The restrictions are also intended to assist security agencies in monitoring movement and preventing the transportation or use of weapons that could contribute to renewed violence.
Residents are therefore expected to comply fully with the directive, particularly the prohibition on carrying arms, ammunition and offensive weapons.
Government appeals for peace
The Interior Ministry has appealed to Chiefs, Elders, Opinion Leaders, Youth and residents of Bawku to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could undermine the progress made toward restoring peace.
Government is urging stakeholders to channel their grievances and concerns through peaceful and non-violent means rather than resorting to confrontation.
The latest relaxation of the motorbike restriction is consequently being viewed as a cautious step toward normalising life in Bawku while authorities continue to address the underlying security challenges.
The government says continued cooperation between traditional authorities, community leaders, residents and security agencies will be critical to sustaining the improved security situation and ultimately achieving lasting peace in Bawku.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah — Ahotoronline, Accra.
