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GES shuts down Nkwanta SHS after death of 3 students over recent clashes in community
GES shuts down Nkwanta SHS after death of 3 students over recent clashes in community
By: Nii Ammui Fio | 3 mins read
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has closed down Nkwanta Senior High School in the Oti Region following violent disturbances in the area that led to the deaths of three students.
According to the Acting Regional Director of Education, the move is intended to protect the lives of both students and staff. “There is the need to safeguard the lives of students and staff,” the director stressed.
The closure follows incidents that occurred on June 26 and 27, during which two female day students were hit by gunfire on their way to school. A male student also lost his life after being struck by a stray bullet while taking part in a mock examination in his classroom.
In the aftermath, eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence that rocked the Nkwanta township and its surrounding communities.
The Ghana Police Service has since stepped up its presence in the area with a comprehensive security strategy. Public Affairs Officer for the Oti Regional Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) John Nchor, revealed that heightened patrols and additional checkpoints have been introduced to maintain order.
“As I am talking, calm has been restored in Nkwanta following the recent violent incident. Swift and decisive actions have been taken to maintain law and order,” DSP Nchor said.
The community remains tense as investigations continue into the root cause of the clashes.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has conveyed its heartfelt condolences to those affected by the tragedy. “The Ministry commiserates with all students, their families, staff of Nkwanta SHS, and everyone affected by these senseless acts of violence within the community,” a statement from the Ministry read.
The Ministry further indicated its commitment to seeing a swift and peaceful end to the conflict so that students can return to a secure learning environment.
Nkwanta and nearby towns have been grappling with a longstanding conflict involving the Akyode, Adele, and Chala ethnic groups — a situation that has grown increasingly volatile in recent years, leading to loss of lives and destruction of property.
In response to the heightened tensions, the government imposed a curfew on the area. Following advice from the Oti Regional Security Council, the Minister for the Interior, by Executive Instrument, revised the curfew hours for Nkwanta Township and surrounding communities within the Nkwanta South Municipality. The new curfew now runs from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., effective Thursday, June 26, 2025.
Authorities have appealed to traditional leaders, youth groups, and residents to remain calm and adopt peaceful means to resolve disputes.
The government further emphasized the importance of collective efforts toward restoring normalcy. It continues to call on “chiefs, opinion leaders, youth, and people of the area to exercise restraint in the face of the challenges confronting them and to use non-violent means to channel their energies into ensuring peace in the area.”
In addition, a strict ban has been placed on the possession of arms, ammunition, and any offensive weapons in the affected communities. Security agencies have warned that anyone found flouting this directive will be arrested and prosecuted.
