4 KUMACA Students Arrested Over Alleged Arson Threats After “Quarantine” Exam Arrangement
Students reportedly threatened to burn school after WASSCE isolation measure; GES defends disciplinary system.
- Four KUMACA WASSCE students arrested over alleged arson threats
- Incident linked to controversial “quarantine” exam supervision system
- About 60 students are being isolated due to disciplinary concerns
Four students of Kumasi Academy (KUMACA) writing the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) have been arrested by the Asokore Police Command over alleged threats to set the school ablaze after completing their exams.
The students are said to have made the threats following dissatisfaction with what they describe as a “quarantine” arrangement imposed by school authorities, which separated them from other candidates during the examination period.
About 60 candidates have reportedly been writing their WASSCE papers in isolated rooms under a special supervision system introduced by the school to manage students who allegedly violated internal rules, including absenteeism, refusal to take mock examinations, and concerns over misconduct.
The arrangement has sparked concern among some parents, who describe the system as “tense and hostile,” arguing that it places additional psychological pressure on candidates already under examination stress.
However, the Ghana Education Service (GES) in the Asokore Mampong Municipality has defended the decision, insisting that the measure is meant to maintain discipline and protect the integrity of the examination process.
During a monitoring visit, municipal education authorities explained that the affected students were still writing their exams under normal invigilated conditions, but were separated from other candidates due to disciplinary concerns.
Municipal Director of Education, Samson Anawine Atogembero, said the students had consistently breached school regulations throughout the academic year, necessitating the special arrangement.
He explained that the so-called “quarantine” is a supervisory measure rather than punishment, designed to prevent disruption and reduce the risk of examination malpractice.
According to him, the arrangement ensures that disciplined students are not negatively affected by those who may engage in misconduct during exams.
He further stressed that the school acted in good faith to safeguard academic standards and denied claims that the students were denied proper supervision or learning support.
Mr. Atogembero added that the measure is temporary and part of broader efforts to strengthen discipline within senior high schools, while engagement with parents continues.
Meanwhile, police confirmed the arrest of the four students over alleged threats of arson following their examinations.
The municipal education director disclosed that the students and their parents have since signed a bond of good behaviour and the students have been released to continue writing their remaining papers.
He cautioned students across the municipality against any acts of violence or destruction after examinations, warning that offenders will face the full force of the law.
