The government is step­ping up its approach from peacekeeping to peace enforcement in Bawku and other affected areas.The move is as a result of the recent escalation of violence, which could derail the peacebuilding process, a statement issued in Accra yesterday and signed by the Minis­ter for Government Communica­tions, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said"The Ghana Armed Forces have been deployed to maintain law and order, as we intensify curfews to ensure public safety.

We assure the public that the Ghana Armed Forces will take all necessary mea­sures to protect lives and property," the statement said.In view of this, a 2:00 p.m.

to 6:00 a.m.

curfew in Bakwu, Nalerugu and its environs, has been imposed to create an environment conducive to the evacuation of all students in various educational institutions in affected areas, some of whom have been unfortunately targeted in the conflict.The statement commended the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for mediating the conflict and appreciated all stakeholders who are supporting the peace process.• Mr Felix Kwakye OfosuAccording to the statement, "the Otumfuo mediation, with the genuine help of Nayiri and Zugraa­na, had almost brought finality to the conflict until the very recent killings which have necessitated drastic actions to protect all in the interests of the greater good".The statement urged all parties to refrain from violence and sup­port the peace process."Residents are advised to fully cooperate with the Ghana Armed Forces to ensure peace."While regretting the inconve­nience the peace enforcement inter­vention may cause to peace- loving people within the affected areas, the statement assured that Government remained committed to restoring peace and stability in Bawku and other affected areas.To achieve this, the statement said Government was taking every necessary measure to ensure the safety and security of all residents, including students.The decades-old conflict be­tween the Kusasis and Mamprusis has claimed over 300 lives since November 2021.It's impact on the communities is the social cost as public and pri­vate sector workers avoid posting to the once busy commercial town that borders Burkina Faso and Togo.Tensions have escalated in the conflict-hit Bawku in the past days after the killing of Naa Abdul-Ma­lik Azenbe, the Kusasi Chief of the Ashanti region.This was after President Maha­ma commended the Overlord of Mamprugu, Nayiri Abdulai Mahami Bohagu Sheriga for the concessions he's made in restoring peace to Bawku. BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI