Nayiri Palace Rejects Government's Curfew on Peaceful Nalerigu

The Mamprusi Traditional Council has issued a strong condemnation of the government’s decision to impose a curfew on Nalerigu and its surrounding areas, describing the move as arbitrary, unjustified, and disrespectful to the authority of the Nayiri.

In a statement released by the Nayiri Palace on Monday, July 28, the Council expressed “deep displeasure and dismay” over the imposition of a 2:00 PM to 6:00 AM daily curfew, which took effect on July 27, 2025. The Council stressed that the decision was taken without prior consultation, despite the area being calm and free of any ongoing disturbances.

“The Nayiri Palace has taken grave notice of a communique circulating in the public domain announcing the imposition of a curfew… While Mamprugu remains firmly committed to constitutional rule… the Palace expresses its deep displeasure and dismay at the arbitrary and unjustified manner in which this curfew has been imposed,” the statement read.

The curfew followed the tragic killing of two students at the Nalerigu Senior High School on Saturday, July 26, by unidentified gunmen. While investigations are ongoing and no motive has been confirmed, rumours have linked the incident to the long-standing Bawku conflict.

However, the Mamprusi Traditional Council has firmly rejected any attempts to associate Nalerigu with regions experiencing active conflict.

“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, particularly in Walewale and now Nalerigu,” the Council stated.

The government has claimed the curfew was meant to facilitate the safe evacuation of students, but the Council dismissed this reasoning as “unfortunate and unconvincing,” cautioning that such reactive security measures undermine long-term peacebuilding efforts.

The statement outlined three key demands to the government:

1. Immediate lifting of the curfew on Nalerigu and its environs.
2. A full, transparent investigation into the killing of the students, with justice served.
3. An unqualified apology to the Nayiri and the people of Mamprugu for bypassing traditional authority.

The Council stressed that preserving peace in Mamprugu requires cooperation between the state and traditional leaders, not unilateral decisions made without engagement.

“Peace must be built through collaboration and respect, not by imposing curfews on peaceful communities,” the Palace added.

The curfew remains in effect as of Monday evening, with growing calls for dialogue and reconsideration of the decision.