Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has pledged that peace will be restored in the troubled town of Bawku and surrounding areas, following a fresh wave of violence that has left several dead, including two students.

In a post shared on Facebook, Dr Boamah said the government was undertaking significant efforts to strengthen the Ghana Armed Forces in order to maintain internal peace and protect national territory.

“Lasting peace shall surely return to Bawku and all affected areas,” he wrote. “We’re taking additional steps to retool the Ghana Armed Forces. The Mahama Government is committed to #ResetGhana, and we’re working tirelessly to make it happen. Let’s collaborate and build a safer, stronger Ghana together.”

The renewed unrest, linked to a long-running chieftaincy dispute in the Upper East Region, has prompted the government to impose strict security measures. A curfew from 2:00pm to 6:00am has been placed on Bawku, Nalerigu and nearby areas, effective Sunday, July 27, until further notice.

Additionally, a total ban on the possession of arms, ammunition or any offensive weapons has been enforced. Authorities say anyone found breaching this directive will be arrested and prosecuted.

The measures come after two students of Nalerigu Senior High School were shot and killed on school premises on Saturday. Unidentified gunmen are believed to be behind the attack.

In response, the government has begun evacuating students from schools in Bawku, Nalerigu and other high-risk areas. A statement from the presidency, signed by spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said the curfew would “create an environment conducive to the evacuation of students,” many of whom have been targeted in the violence.

The Interior Ministry has appealed to local chiefs, elders, and youth to exercise restraint and use peaceful means to address their grievances.

“The government calls on all stakeholders to support efforts to maintain peace and prevent further loss of life,” a statement from the Ministry of the Interior read.

Tensions in Bawku have simmered for decades, flaring periodically due to disputes over traditional leadership. Authorities say they remain committed to restoring calm through dialogue, enhanced security, and community engagement.