Accra, July 15, 2025
The government has lifted six curfews across the country since January, reducing the number of curfew-affected areas from eleven to five, Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak has disclosed.
Speaking at the government’s Accountability Series press briefing on Monday, the Minister said curfews remain in place only in Walewale, Binduri, Bawku, Sampa, and Nkwanta, but efforts are ongoing to restore full peace and normalcy to these communities.
“The lifting of curfews in the affected communities has expanded civil liberty and allowed residents to resume daily activities without restriction,” Mubarak stated.
He credited the progress to improved security, constructive dialogue, and the sustained efforts of peacebuilding institutions.
The National Peace Council, in particular, was praised for its role in conflict resolution, having handled a total of 429 cases during the period. These included 168 chieftaincy disputes, 105 land-related conflicts, and 57 ethnic tensions across various regions.
Public Holidays Overhauled
The Interior Minister also announced major reforms to Ghana’s Public Holiday Act under President Mahama’s directive, aimed at promoting national unity and religious inclusivity.
“We have restored July 1st as a statutory holiday and formally recognized September 21st as Founder’s Day to honor the legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah,” Mubarak announced.
In addition, an extra day for Eid al-Fitr has been added to the holiday calendar to ensure Muslims can properly celebrate the festival.
To support domestic tourism and the hospitality sector, the government has introduced a new system where public holidays that fall mid-week will be shifted to the nearest Friday or Monday, creating longer weekends.
Crackdown on Immigration Offenses and Street Begging
Mubarak also revealed ongoing enforcement operations targeting illegal immigration and human trafficking.
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has intercepted 291 irregular immigrants, rescued 21 trafficking victims, and removed 1,617 foreigners for various violations under sections 20 and 21 of the Immigration Act 573.
In Accra, 13 individuals were prosecuted for offenses including human trafficking, illegal entry, and document fraud.
GIS also seized contraband goods including 406 bags of cocoa beans, 1,115 jerry cans, 11 bags of fertilizers, and 50 gallons of fuel during recent border enforcement operations.
Meanwhile, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the government has removed 2,241 foreign street beggars and repatriated them to their countries of origin.
“This exercise is not just about restoring order; it is also about humane intervention for vulnerable populations,” Mubarak said.
He added that a comprehensive national strategy is being developed to address street begging across all major cities, not just Accra.
“We are increasing inter-agency coordination to ensure better crime prevention and public safety outcomes,” he emphasized.
