Accra, March 10, GNA - Government has relaxed the curfew at Bawku Municipality and its environs from 11 hours to nine hours following the return of "relative normalcy".

A statement signed in Accra on Monday by Mr Kwamena Bartels, Minister of the Interior, said upon the advice of the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC), the curfew hours had been modified from 5.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. to 5.00 a.m. with immediate effect.

"The change in the curfew hours therefore means that the curfew will now start at 8.00 p.m. and end at 5.00 a.m. everyday," it said. The Government said the change in time had been justified by the improvements in the peace and security situation presently prevailing in the area due to the security measures, including the beefing up of security presence on the ground, and the commitment demonstrated by the political and traditional leaders of the area to work with the Upper East Regional Security Council to ensure peace.

"However, Government wishes to remind all stakeholders that the situation is still volatile, and therefore, wishes to urge all factions to desist from doing anything that will work against the process of ensuring the restoration of total normalcy in the area." The Government warned that the ban on all persons in the Bawku Municipal area, Zabugu and Garu Township and their environs from carrying arms, ammunition or any offensive weapon still remained in force, and any person found with any arms or ammunitions will be arrested and prosecuted.