The Eastern Regional Minister, Antwi Bosiako Sekyere, based on the power vested in him as the chairman of the Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has imposed a curfew on drinking spots and night clubs in the region effective yesterday, September 1, 2014.
According to the minister, the decision was taken at a meeting by REGSEC chaired by himself last Thursday. According to the directive, all drinking spots and night clubs in the region must close at 10pm and 2am respectively.
This has angered drinking spots and restaurant operators who are castigating the ruling National Democratic Congress and are accusing the party of being insensitive. They warned that they will massively vote against the ruling party in the 2016 election if the directive is not rescinded.
Speaking to the DAILY HERITAGE in Koforidua, some of the drinking bar and night club operators vehemently opposed the directive explaining that persons who patronize their services mostly visit there in the evening after a whole day and week of hardwork, therefore, giving a limited time of operation will seriously affect their operations and finances which may trigger dismissal of their workers.
The furious drinking bar and night club operators warned that if the Minister does not withdraw the directive issued they will embark on demonstration to petition President John Dramani Mahama over what they called a wicked directive.
Speaking on Eastern FM, a Koforidua based radio station on Monday, the minister explained that the directive is just an enforcement of existing laws in the country, adding that it is not intended to collapse businesses of bar operators and owners of night clubs but to help curb immoral acts and criminal activities that are caused by the activities of these operators.
He stated that besides these criminal activities associated with drinking spots and night club operations, the level of noise pollution generated from their activities is against the laws of the land.
The minister further stressed that the directive is expected to be strictly obeyed during festivals and holidays including Christmas, adding that the REGSEC has also banned firing of musketry during festivals to help avoid casualties and fatalities recorded in previous incidents in the region.
He warned that security personnel in the region have been tasked to arrest and prosecute anyone who flouts the directive.
He said the Municipal and District Chief Executives have been asked to strictly enforce their bye-laws, especially, with regard to drinking spots and night clubs.
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