The Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has directed the closure of Okuapeman Senior High School (OKUASS) and Mount Sinai Senior High School in the Akuapem North Municipality following violent reprisal attacks that resulted in the destruction of school property.
The incident, which occurred at about 2 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, led to the burning of several structures at both schools.
Six students of Okuapeman SHS sustained injuries and were subsequently admitted to hospital for medical attention.
According to the Headmaster of Okuapeman SHS, four of the injured students have since been treated and discharged, while two remain on admission.
At Okuapeman SHS, the Visual Arts studio, a teachers’ office and seven classrooms were destroyed by fire. Examination papers and certificates were also reportedly burnt in the incident.
At the nearby Mount Sinai Senior High School, a storeroom and the boys’ washroom were also set ablaze.
Following an assessment of the damage, the Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) directed that both schools be temporarily closed.
Students of Mount Sinai SHS have been instructed to leave the campus by 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, while students of Okuapeman SHS are expected to leave the school on the morning of Thursday, September 3.
Addressing students after the incident, the Eastern Regional Director of Education, Dr Ivy Asantewaa, described the situation as unfortunate and warned that the Ghana Education Service (GES) would not shield 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 happy with what has happened. You are here to study and avail yourself to be morally upright and so you need to comport yourselves,” she said.
The Eastern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Owusu-Bempah, also expressed concern over the conduct of some students, particularly attacks on police officers deployed to the schools during the early stages of the incident.
He assured the school authorities that the police would identify all persons involved in the violence and ensure that they face prosecution.
The Chairperson of REGSEC and Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, expressed disappointment over the incident, particularly at a time when government is undertaking efforts to improve and retool senior high schools across the country.
She said investigations into the incident were ongoing and warned that anyone found culpable would be dealt with according to the law.
“We are building a nation, we are not destroying a nation. We are resetting and that includes resetting you. Investigations are going on, those who started throwing the stones will not be allowed to go scot-free,” she said.
