Residents of Nkwanta South in the Oti Region have called on the Minister for the Interior and other relevant stakeholders to review the current curfew hours, arguing that the restriction is crippling business and disrupting everyday life in the municipality.
According to the residents, the curfew, currently enforced from 5:00 pm to 6:00 am, has significantly reduced commercial activity, especially for traders and transport operators whose work peaks in the late afternoon and evening.
They contend that the early start time has affected market trade, commuter movement, and other essential services, placing additional strain on households and breadwinners.
In interviews with Adom News, some residents questioned the effectiveness of the curfew, noting that despite the restrictions being linked to the protracted conflict in the area, incidents of violence and disturbances have reportedly continued, including in broad daylight.
They insisted that limiting movement in the evenings has not addressed the underlying tensions driving the conflict.
The residents are therefore appealing for the curfew to be adjusted from 5:00 pm to at least 8:00 pm, which they believe would allow businesses to operate for longer hours and help restore a degree of normal economic and social activity.
They also urged government to focus on resolving the root causes of the conflict, stressing that long-term peace will require more than restrictions on movement.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Nkwanta South, Joseph Awal Antwi, has called on labour unions, professional associations, and community groups to work closely with security agencies to help resolve the situation.
He emphasized that cooperation between residents and security authorities is necessary to support peacebuilding efforts and restore stability to the municipality.
