Accra, April 23, GNA - The Ministry of the Interior, has on the adv= ice of the Upper East Regional Security Council and by Executive Instrument, renewed for one week the curfew imposed on Bawku Municipality and its immediate environs. A statement issued by Mr. Martin A.B.K. Amidu, the sector minister in Accra, said the curfew takes effect from Friday, April 23.

It said the curfew hours remained from 1600 hours to 0600 hours eac= h day. The statement said: "Government wishes to urge the various factions= to the conflict to exercise restraint to ensure that sustainable peace retur= ns to the area." It said government is committed to bring development to the area, b= ut this could only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace, safety and securit= y. Meanwhile, government reiterated that there is a ban on all persons= in the Bawku Municipality, and its immediate environs (Zabugu, Binduri, Pusi= ga, Zoasi) from carrying arms, ammunition or any offensive weapons, and any person found violating the directive would be arrested and prosecuted.