Ambrose Dery, Interior Minister
The Ministry of Interior has tightened the curfew hours imposed on Nkonya and Alavanyo Traditional areas following report of sporadic shootings over the weekend.
The reviewed curfew, which took effect from Sunday, April 23, 2017, now begins at 8pm and ends at 5.30am, instead of the initial 11pm to 4am.
This latest action was necessitated by suspected reprisal attacks which claimed three lives in Nkonya, including a 17-year-old girl.
The shootings, which occurred between Wednesday and Friday, also saw two other persons sustaining injuries.
They are currently receiving treatment at the Volta Regional Hospital, Ho.
The latest incidents have heightened tension in Alavanyo and Nkonya, with the people living in constant fear and panic.
A statement signed by the Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery, therefore prohibited all persons living in the two traditional areas from carrying arms.
Those who flout the order would be prosecuted when arrested by the security agencies, it disclosed.
“Government will like to reiterate that there is a ban on all persons in the two towns and their environs from carrying arms, ammunition or any offensive weapons, and any person found with any arms or ammunition will be arrested and prosecuted, the statement said.
The statement also encouraged the residents of the area to use the right and established channels to address their grievances.
“Government continues to express its appreciation to the chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, youth and people of the area for their efforts in ensuring peace in the area and urges them to use the established mechanisms for the resolution of all conflicts and disputes.”
From Gibril Abdul Razak, Ho (gbabdulrazak)