Curfew Imposed on Sampa Township in Ghana's Bono Region Following Chieftaincy Disputes

The Minister of Interior, Henry Quartey, has imposed a curfew on Sampa Township in the Jaman North District of the Bono Region in Ghana. The curfew, which takes effect from Thursday, April 18, 2024, will be in place from 4:00 pm to 7:00 am each day until further notice. The decision was made on the advice of the Bono Regional Security Council (REGSEC) following recent chieftaincy disputes in the area that have affected security.

In addition to the curfew, there is a total ban on all persons in Sampa Township from carrying arms, ammunition, or any offensive weapons. Anyone found with such items will be arrested and prosecuted. The government has urged chiefs, opinion leaders, youth, and people of the area to exercise restraint and use non-violent means to address their grievances and ensure peace in the region.

The chieftaincy disputes in Sampa, a Ghana-Cote d'Ivoire border town, have led to heightened tensions and security concerns. The imposition of the curfew is aimed at reducing these tensions and restoring peace and security in the area while efforts are made to find a durable solution to the chieftaincy issues through consultations and dialogue.

Why this matters: Chieftaincy disputes can have significant impacts on local communities, leading to violence, displacement, and disruption of daily life. The government's intervention through the imposition of a curfew and ban on weapons is a step towards maintaining law and order and preventing further escalation of the conflict.

Minister Quartey emphasized the need for the chiefs, opinion leaders, youth, and people of Sampa to use non-violent means to channel their grievances. The government's stance highlights the importance of dialogue and peaceful resolution of the chieftaincy issues to ensure the well-being and security of the community. The curfew will remain in place until the security situation improves, and further updates will be provided by the Ministry of Interior as necessary.

Key Takeaways

• Curfew imposed in Sampa Township, Ghana, from 4 pm to 7 am due to chieftaincy disputes.
• Ban on carrying arms, ammunition, or offensive weapons in Sampa Township, with violators to be arrested.
• Government urges chiefs, opinion leaders, youth to use non-violent means to address grievances and ensure peace.
• Curfew aims to reduce tensions and restore security while finding a durable solution to the chieftaincy issues.
• Chieftaincy disputes can lead to violence, displacement, and disruption, necessitating government intervention.