Tensions have erupted at two senior high schools in Ghana’s Eastern Region after violent clashes between students of Okuapemman Senior High School and Mount Sinai Senior High School resulted in injuries and the destruction of school property.
The Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has subsequently directed the temporary closure of both schools following the incident, which occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Akropong in the Akuapem North Municipality.
Six Students Hospitalised
Six students of Okuapemman SHS sustained injuries during the violence and were taken to hospital for treatment.
According to the school’s headmaster, Rev. Richard Koranteng Afari, four of the injured students have since been treated and discharged, while two remained on admission as of Wednesday evening.
The precise circumstances that triggered the confrontation remain unclear, while security agencies continue investigations into the incident.
Classrooms and Facilities Burnt
The violence reportedly escalated into reprisal attacks, with several facilities on the two campuses damaged or destroyed by fire.
At Okuapemman SHS, the Visual Arts studio, teachers’ office and seven classrooms were reportedly burnt. Examination papers and certificates stored in some of the affected facilities were also destroyed.
At Mount Sinai SHS, a storeroom and boys’ washroom were reportedly affected by the fire.
The scale of the destruction prompted REGSEC officials to visit the schools to assess the situation before ordering their temporary closure.
Students Ordered to Leave Campus
Students at Mount Sinai SHS were directed to leave the school premises before 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, while Okuapemman students were expected to leave campus on Thursday morning.
The closure is intended to help restore calm and allow security agencies to investigate the violence.
The Eastern Regional Director of Education, Dr Ivy Asantewaa, described the incident as unfortunate and warned that the Ghana Education Service would not protect students found to have participated in the attacks.
Police Promise Arrests and Prosecution
Eastern Regional Police Commander DCOP Joseph Owusu-Bempah said investigations were ongoing and assured the schools that those responsible would be identified and prosecuted.
Police have also indicated that their investigation may extend beyond students. Deputy Education Minister Dr Clement Apaak said authorities were examining the possibility that people who were not students may have influenced or facilitated the violence.
Reports on Thursday also indicated that more than 10 students had been arrested in connection with the clashes, with police warning that further arrests could follow.
Regional Minister Condemns Violence
Eastern Regional Minister and REGSEC Chairperson Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey expressed disappointment over the destruction, particularly at a time when efforts are being made to improve infrastructure and learning conditions in senior high schools.
She stressed that investigations would continue and that anyone found responsible would face the law.
The incident has renewed concerns about student violence and security in Ghanaian senior high schools, with education stakeholders now calling for stronger measures to detect and prevent conflicts before they escalate into serious violence.
