Accra, May 19, GNA - The Ministry of the Interior has relaxed the curfew hours in Bawku and its environs from 1500 hours to 0700 hours to 1800 to 0600 GMT each day.

A statement signed by Mr Kwamena Bartels, Sector Minister, said the reduction of the curfew to 12 hours was in recognition of the gradual return of normalcy in the Bawku Municipality, Zabugu, Binduri, Pusiga, Zoosi and its environs.

It said it was also to facilitate the re-opening of schools, banks, businesses and other institutions, which were closed as a result of the outbreak of violence and to enable the police and the military to maintain the calm that was returning to the area. "Government will like, once again, to appeal to all factions in the dispute to work towards peace and co-existence and further appeals to the people to eschew the mistrust and bitterness that have stalled peace in the area," it said.

The statement said the ban on persons in the area carrying weapons, ammunitions or any offensive weapon still remained in force adding: "Any person found with any arms or ammunition will be arrested and prosecuted."

Fighting flared up again recently between the Kusasis and Mamprusis thus forcing the Government to tighten the curfew.