Gov’t orders evacuation of students from Bawku, Nalerigu amid conflict

The Government of Ghana has announced the immediate evacuation of students from Bawku, Nalerigu, and surrounding areas following a surge in violent clashes that have disrupted academic activity and threatened the safety of learners.

This decision comes in the wake of recent incidents in Bawku, including the killing of a final year student on Saturday, July 26, which have heightened tensions and created widespread fear among students and staff.

In response, the Bawku Municipal Education Directorate has temporarily closed affected schools. Final-year students are expected to return on August 7, 2025, to sit their scheduled WAEC examinations.

To support the evacuation and ensure public safety, the Ministry for the Interior has imposed a curfew from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily in Bawku, Nalerigu, and nearby communities, effective Sunday, July 27, 2025.

In a statement signed by Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the government stressed that the curfew is not only part of its peace enforcement strategy but also meant to create a secure environment for the evacuation of students, some of whom have reportedly been targeted in the ongoing conflict.

The government reiterated its commitment to restoring calm in the affected areas and assured that all necessary measures are being taken to protect lives and maintain order.

Residents have been urged to cooperate with security forces as efforts to stabilize the situation continue.

The statement noted, “Further to the statement issued by The Ministry of the Interior announcing the imposition of a curfew in Bakwu, Nalerugu and its environs, from 2pm to 6am effective today, Sunday, 27th July, 2025, until further notice, government wants to stress that in addition to helping to enforce peace, the curfew is intended to create an environment conducive to the evacuation of all students in various educational institutions in affected areas, some of whom have been unfortunately targeted in the conflict.”