Accra, June 29, GNA - The Minister of the Interior has with effect from Wednesday, June 29, lifted the curfew imposed on the Bawku Municipality and its immediate environs.

A statement signed by Dr Benjamin Kunbuor, Minister of the Interior, said this was upon the advice of the Upper East Regional Security Council.

The statement said the lifting of the curfew hours was in recognition of the return to normalcy in the Bawku Municipality and its immediate environs.

It said it was also intended to allow businesses to commence whilst at the same time enabling the police and the military to maintain the calm that had returned to the areas.

"Government believes that lifting the curfew hours will serve as an incentive to help maintain and consolidate further the peace in and around Bawku Municipality and its immediate environs."

The Government extended its appreciation to all personnel of the security agencies, traditional and religious leaders and other interest groups who worked tirelessly to restore calm in the areas.

The Government also assured the public that it was committed to ensuring lasting peace in the areas and appealed to all, especially the youth, to be law abiding and respect the rule of law.