By Grace Zigah
The Ministry of the Interior has announced a review of the curfew hours imposed on several communities in the Jaman South Municipality of the Bono Region, following recommendations from the Bono Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
The affected towns include Drobo, Japekrom, Babianiha, Kwasibourkrom, Mpuasu, Basakrom, Kojokesekrom, and Katakyiekrom.
The new curfew hours now run from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. daily, effective Friday, May 9, 2025.
The decision comes as part of government efforts to sustain the relative calm in the area, which has a history of inter-communal tensions, particularly between Drobo and Japekrom.
These longstanding disputes—mainly over land boundaries and traditional leadership rights—have periodically escalated into violence, prompting previous security interventions including curfews, military patrols, and conflict resolution initiatives.
In the statement signed by Interior Minister Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the government expressed gratitude to traditional authorities, opinion leaders, youth groups, and residents for their cooperation with security arrangements and their role in maintaining peace.
“Government continues to express its appreciation to the Chiefs, Elders, Opinion Leaders, Youth, and people of the area for their efforts in ensuring peace,” the statement read.
The minister urged the communities to continue resolving disputes through peaceful and legal channels, underscoring the importance of dialogue over confrontation.
“Government urges them to use the established mechanisms for the resolution of all their conflicts and disputes,” it stated.
However, the review of the curfew does not affect the standing ban on the possession of weapons in the affected communities.
All individuals are prohibited from carrying arms, ammunition, or any offensive weapons.
The statement made it clear that anyone found in violation of this directive would be arrested and prosecuted without exception.
Security analysts and civil society groups have often called for more long-term development and reconciliation programs in conflict-prone areas like Jaman South to reduce dependency on curfews and emergency security measures.
While the easing of curfew hours signals progress, stakeholders say sustainable peace will require continuous engagement and conflict resolution efforts.
