Six students from Okuapeman Senior High School were hospitalised following overnight clashes with students from Mount Sinai Senior High School in the Akuapem North Municipality around 2:00 AM on Wednesday, September 2.
The headmaster of Okuapeman SHS reported that four of the victims have since been treated and discharged, while two others remain hospitalised. The retaliatory attacks resulted in extensive property damage across both institutions. At Okuapeman SHS, the fire destroyed the Visual Arts studio, a teachers’ office, seven classrooms, examination papers, and certificates.
Mount Sinai SHS suffered damage to a storeroom and a boys’ washroom. Following an assessment of the destruction, the Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) directed the immediate closure of both schools. Mount Sinai SHS students were ordered to vacate campus by 1:00 PM on Wednesday, while Okuapeman SHS students are scheduled to leave on Thursday morning, September 3.
The Eastern Regional Director of Education, Dr. Ivy Asantewaa, described the incident as unfortunate and emphasised that the Ghana Education Service would not protect any student found to have participated in the attacks. “It doesn’t take one person to fight; it takes two or more. We are not pleased with what has happened. You are here to study, and you need to conduct yourselves in a morally upright manner,” she stated.
The Eastern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Owusu-Bempah, also condemned the attack on police officers who were deployed to the schools during the incident. He assured the public that all perpetrators would be identified and prosecuted.
Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, the Chairperson of REGSEC and Eastern Regional Minister, mentioned that investigations were ongoing and warned that those responsible would face legal consequences. “We are building a nation, not destroying one. We are in the process of resetting, which includes holding you accountable. Investigations are continuing, and those who started throwing stones will not go unpunished,” she said.
