The Conference of Heads of Basic Schools (CHOBS) is demanding the immediate closure of basic schools in the Bawku Municipality following renewed violence.
According to CHOBS, the move has become necessary due to the difficulty in getting transportation to and from school.
A statement dated September 22, 2022, issued by the Chairman of CHOBS, Abugri Busia, and directed to the Municipal Director of the Ghana Education Service said:
“Following the insecurity and the subsequent ban of “yellow yellow” in the municipality, we wish to appeal to you to close down basic schools in the municipality pending the improvement of the security situation.”
The Upper East Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) has reviewed security measures in Bawku after renewed fights and violence.
At its emergency meeting held on Monday, the Council temporarily banned ‘yellow, yellow’ operations until further notice and imposed curfew hours to cover Nayoka, Kpalgu and Manga communities.
A statement issued by the Council said that only the Police, Ghana Immigration Service, and the military would be allowed to use official motorbikes between 6 am and 6 pm.
“Please ensure strict compliance,” the statement said.
Bawku has been a hotspot for clashes between residents of various ethnic groups.
In August 2022, at least three persons, all males, were shot by unknown persons in the community.
A Northern Electricity Development Company transformer was also destroyed during a shooting incident, leaving residents in fear and shock.
The government has, on several occasions, imposed a curfew on the town to calm tensions and maintain law and order.