The Nkwanta South Traders Association is urging the Interior Ministry to reconsider the curfew imposed on their township, as it is severely impacting their businesses.
Richard Owusu Ansah (Paa Rich), the Secretary of the Association, reported that their business activities have been greatly affected by the current curfew, which runs from 5 PM to 6 AM, a measure put in place due to ethnic conflict in the region.
Since November 2023, the Nkwanta South and surrounding areas have been experiencing inter-tribal conflict, resulting in the loss of 14 lives and significant property damage. As a result, the once bustling business center has been reduced to a ghost town, with traders struggling to make ends meet.
The traders are appealing for the curfew to be revised in order to bring back a sense of normalcy to their business operations.
In a gesture of support for peace-keeping efforts in the Nkwanta South Municipality, the traders presented food items to the security agencies, emphasizing their commitment to restoring peace and stability in the region.
Upon receiving the items, Chief Superintendent Michael Asiedu, the Divisional Police Commander, expressed gratitude to the traders and assured them of the police and other security agencies’ dedication to reinstating peace in the area.
Chief Supt. Asiedu also called upon residents to collaborate with the police and provide the necessary assistance to quell the ongoing conflict.
The traders’ plea for a review of the curfew underscores the significant impact of the ongoing ethnic conflict on the business community and highlights their resilience in supporting peace-building efforts.
