Accra, Sept. 1, GNA - Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, Minister of the Interior has, on the advice of the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and by Executive Instrument, renewed the curfew imposed on the Bawku Municipality and its environs for another one week with effect from Monday, September 1.

The curfew hours have, however, been relaxed from 2000 hours to 0500 hours to 2200 hours to 0400 hours each day. A statement signed by the Minister in Accra on Monday, said the change in the curfew hours is as a result of improved security situation in Bawku and its environs.

"Government believes that the reduction of the curfew hours would serve as incentive to help maintain and consolidate further the peace in and around Bawku," the statement said.

The government commended the chiefs, elders, opinion leaders and National Peace Council and all stakeholders in the municipality and its environs for their untiring efforts that had improved security and peace in the area. Meanwhile, Government has reiterated that the ban on all persons in the Bawku Municipal Area, Zabugu, Binduri, Pusiga and Zoosi townships and their environs from carrying arms, ammunitions or any offensive weapon still remains in force, and any person found with any arms or ammunition would be arrested and prosecuted.