Nkwanta South curfew bites hard as healthcare delivery deteriorates

Healthcare workers in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region are currently grappling with serious challenges due to an evening curfew, which is hindering their ability to deliver critical medical services.

The curfew, mandated by the Ministry for the Interior from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM, was put in place on January 28 following violent tribal clashes that resulted in multiple fatalities.

While its intention is to restore peace and security, the curfew has had adverse effects on healthcare delivery, notably on emergency services, community outreach, and hospital operations.

Dr. Osei Kuffour Afreh, the Oti Regional Director of Health Services, voiced significant concerns regarding the impact of these restrictions. He highlighted that many healthcare workers are now reluctant to travel at night due to safety fears.

In a press briefing after the 2024 Regional Health Review, Dr. Afreh revealed the strain on healthcare delivery since the imposition of the curfew. He shared the heartbreaking news that the ongoing violence has already claimed the life of one health worker, amplifying the anxiety among medical staff.

“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.

“And this has put a lot of fear in the health workers here. And it is really affecting them going out to deliver health care services. One of our vehicles that was en route to the community for outreach services also received some bullets with about 30 bullet holes,” he noted.