By: Akua Oteng Amponsah
The Mamprusi Traditional Council has vehemently denounced the government’s decision to impose a curfew on Nalerigu and its surrounding areas, deeming it an affront to the Nayiri’s authority.
In a strongly-worded statement released on July 28, 2025, the Nayiri Palace expressed profound disappointment with the curfew, which commenced on July 27, 2025, restricting movement between 2:00 PM and 6:00 AM daily.
This move follows the tragic killing of two students at Nalerigu Senior High School by unidentified gunmen on July 26, 2025.
The Palace criticized the government for imposing the curfew without consultation, despite the area being calm.
“The Nayiri Palace has taken grave notice of a communique circulating in the public domain announcing the imposition of a curfew… The Palace expresses its deep displeasure and dismay at the arbitrary and unjustified manner in which this curfew has been imposed.”
The Council disputed any connection between the incident and the Bawku conflict, stressing that Nalerigu should not be lumped with areas experiencing unrest. “It is troubling that the government continues to pursue a misguided policy of equating the longstanding conflict in the Bawku Traditional Area with the peace and stability that exists in Mamprugu.”
The Council labeled the government’s rationale for the curfew as “unfortunate and unconvincing” and issued three demands:
Immediate lifting of the curfew
Transparent investigation into the students’ murder
Unqualified apology to the Nayiri and Mamprugu people for bypassing traditional authority
The statement emphasized that peace in Mamprugu requires mutual respect and collaboration, not unilateral actions without local engagement.
