Healthcare workers in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region say the nighttime curfew in the area is disrupting essential medical services and putting lives at risk.
The curfew, imposed by the Ministry for the Interior from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM, was introduced on January 28 as a security measure following violent tribal clashes that resulted in multiple fatalities.
While aimed at restoring peace and order, the restriction has severely impacted healthcare delivery, particularly emergency response services, community outreach programs, and general hospital operations.
Dr. Osei Kuffour Afreh, Oti Regional Director of Health Services, expressed deep concern over the situation, stating that healthcare workers are now fearful and hesitant to move at night due to security threats.
Speaking to journalists after the 2024 Regional Health Review, Dr. Afreh revealed that healthcare delivery has come under intense pressure since the curfew was implemented.
“The curfew is really affecting healthcare delivery in the Nkwanta South Municipality. Unfortunately, during the recent clashes in January this year, one of our health workers, an IT manager, was shot dead at home.
“This has instilled fear among health workers, making it difficult for them to move around to deliver medical care. One of our vehicles heading to a community for outreach services was also hit by about 30 bullets,” he lamented.
Healthcare professionals in the area are calling for urgent interventions to ensure their safety while enabling them to continue providing critical medical services to residents.
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