Fire, Injuries Force Temporary Shutdown of Two Eastern Region SHSs
REGSEC orders temporary closure as investigations continue into the overnight violence and destruction of school facilities.
- Six injured: Okuapeman students hospitalised.
- Fire damage: Classrooms and other facilities destroyed.
- Schools closed: Students ordered to vacate campuses.
The Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has directed the temporary closure of Okuapeman Senior High School (OKUASS) and Mount Sinai Senior High School in the Akuapem North Municipality following a violent confrontation that led to injuries and the destruction of school facilities.
The incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, although the exact cause of the confrontation has not yet been established.
Six students of Okuapeman SHS were injured and taken to hospital. According to the school’s Headmaster, four of the students have since been treated and discharged, while two remain on admission.
School Facilities Destroyed
Several facilities at Okuapeman SHS were reportedly destroyed by fire, including the Visual Arts studio, a teachers’ office and seven classrooms.
Examination papers and certificates kept in some of the affected facilities were also reportedly destroyed in the fire.
At Mount Sinai SHS, the store room and boys’ washroom were also damaged by fire.
Following an assessment of the situation, REGSEC ordered the temporary closure of both schools to restore calm and allow security agencies to investigate the incident.
Students at Mount Sinai SHS were directed to leave the school premises before 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, while Okuapeman SHS students are expected to vacate the campus on the morning of Thursday, September 3.
Authorities Warn Students
The Eastern Regional Director of Education, Dr Ivy Asantewaa, described the incident as unfortunate and warned that the Ghana Education Service (GES) would not protect students found to have participated in the violence.
She urged students to remain disciplined and concentrate on their education.
“It doesn’t take one person to fight, it takes two or more. We are not happy with what has happened.”
The Eastern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Owusu-Bempah, also expressed concern over the reported conduct of some students, including allegations that police officers deployed to the schools were attacked.
He assured the schools that the police would investigate the incident, identify those responsible and prosecute persons found culpable.
REGSEC Vows Action
The Chairperson of REGSEC and Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, expressed disappointment over the destruction, particularly as efforts are being made to improve and retool senior high schools across the country.
She said investigations were ongoing and warned that anyone found to have participated in the violence would face the law.
“We are building a nation, we are not destroying a nation. We are resetting and that includes resetting you.”
The Regional Minister said REGSEC would work with the relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible for the destruction are dealt with according to the law.
The exact trigger for the confrontation remains unclear, with security agencies continuing investigations into the incident.
