Hamile Curfew: Ghana Government Imposes 11-Hour Restrictions After Dynamite Blast Kills Immigration Officer
The government has imposed an 11-hour daily curfew on Hamile Township and its surrounding communities in the Lambussie District of the Upper West Region following a dynamite explosion that claimed the life of a Ghana Immigration Service officer and left another officer critically injured.
The restriction, announced by the Ministry of the Interior on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, takes immediate effect and prohibits movement within the affected areas between 6:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. daily.
The government says the measure is aimed at containing the security situation, preventing further disturbances and restoring calm following the deadly incident.
In a statement, the Ministry of the Interior said the curfew was imposed by the Minister for the Interior on the advice of the National Security Council through an Executive Instrument.
The directive applies to Hamile Township and neighbouring communities within the affected area, with residents expected to comply strictly with the restricted movement hours.
Government Bans Firearms and Offensive Weapons
In addition to the curfew, the government has announced a total ban on the possession of firearms, ammunition and other offensive weapons in Hamile and surrounding communities.
The Ministry warned that anyone found in possession of such weapons would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The weapons restriction forms part of the government’s broader security measures to prevent further violence and reduce the risk of additional confrontations in the area.
Residents have therefore been urged to cooperate with security agencies and refrain from carrying weapons or engaging in activities that could undermine efforts to restore peace.
Dynamite Explosion Kills Immigration Officer
The security measures follow a dynamite explosion in Hamile on Tuesday, November 3, which reportedly killed one officer of the Ghana Immigration Service and left another critically injured.
The incident has raised concerns about security in the area, particularly following reports surrounding the circumstances that led to the explosion.
Preliminary information from security sources indicates that some civilians travelling along an unauthorised route encountered security personnel stationed at a checkpoint before the explosion occurred.
However, further details surrounding the incident and the precise circumstances leading to the explosion were not provided in the initial information available.
The death of the immigration officer and the critical condition of the injured officer have added to concerns over the security situation in the border community.
Ministry Appeals for Calm and Restraint
Against the backdrop of the incident, the Ministry of the Interior has appealed to traditional authorities, opinion leaders, young people and residents of Hamile and neighbouring communities to exercise restraint.
The Ministry urged community leaders to use their influence to promote calm and discourage actions that could heighten tensions or trigger further disturbances.
Residents have also been encouraged to channel their grievances through peaceful and non-violent means rather than resorting to confrontations or actions that could threaten lives and property.
The government stressed that the restrictions are intended to restore calm, protect residents and maintain security in the affected communities.
Residents Urged to Cooperate With Security Measures
With the curfew taking immediate effect, residents and other persons within the affected communities are expected to observe the restricted movement hours and comply with the government’s directive.
The ban on firearms, ammunition and offensive weapons is also expected to reinforce security efforts as authorities work to contain the situation.
The government has called on all stakeholders, particularly traditional leaders, community representatives and the youth, to support efforts aimed at maintaining peace and preventing further escalation.
As the situation develops, the cooperation of residents and community leaders will be important in ensuring that calm is restored and that security personnel can carry out their duties effectively.
The Ministry of the Interior has reiterated the need for restraint, dialogue and peaceful engagement as the affected communities respond to the incident and the measures introduced by the government.