Residents of Bawku have welcomed the dawn to dusk curfew imposed on the municipality following communal clashes that have claimed lives and led to destruction of property. The curfew which was announced in Accra by the Interior Minister, Kwamena Bartels also affects nearby communities of Garu and Zabzugu. Reports say talks are ongoing between officials on the one side and leaders of the two factions on the other while a ban has been placed on the carrying of arms in the communities. Close to 200 military and police forces have been deployed to the area with further reinforcement expected soon to restore peace and order. Speaking in an interview on JOY FM’s Super Morning Show earlier today, Mahama Ayariga, MP for Bawku Central said even though there were patches of calm within the community, tensions are still high. Although four persons were confirmed dead as of yesterday January 1, 2008, Mr Ayariga said the figure could be higher today.