Bawku: Sheikh Yussif Imam Umar, the Upper East Regional Chief Imam, has appealed to the government to review curfew hours in the Bawku Municipality and its environs during the Ramadan period. Muslims in Ghana and worldwide have commenced observing Ramadan, a period dedicated to fasting and prayers, following the sighting of the crescent moon. This month-long observance is considered one of the holiest in the Islamic calendar.
According to Ghana News Agency, the government has imposed a curfew in the Bawku Municipality and its surroundings from 2000 hours to 0500 hours due to the ongoing conflict in the area. The Chief Imam highlighted that these curfew restrictions impede Muslims from preparing their pre-dawn meals and performing night and dawn prayers, known as 'Isha' and 'Fajr' respectively. Sheikh Umar also emphasized that 'Taraweeh,' a special night prayer conducted during Ramadan, is significantly impacted.
The appeal was made during Sheikh Umar's visit to the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, in his office. The Minister, who also serves as Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the curfew but stated that the measure is crucial for maintaining peace in the area. "While the curfew is not desirable, it remains a vital measure to safeguard lives," he added.
Mr. Atanga assured the Chief Imam that the REGSEC would review the appeal and forward it to the Minister for the Interior for consideration. He urged residents of Bawku to live peacefully and noted that the government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, would continue to implement measures to ensure peace in the area.
The Bawku Municipality and its environs have experienced recurrent conflicts over the decades, leading to significant loss of lives and property. This has prompted the government to enforce dusk-to-dawn curfew hours in an effort to restore peace, with continuous calls for dialogue to address the underlying causes of the conflict.
