Akuapem North Member of Parliament (MP), Sammi Awuku, says the destruction caused by the violent clashes between students of Okuapeman Senior High School (SHS) and Mount Sinai SHS is extensive, with the cost of the damage potentially running into millions of cedis.
Mr Awuku said the scale of the destruction became apparent when he visited the two schools following the clashes, describing what he saw as an “eye sore.”
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, he said the two schools have a long history of co-existence despite a deep-rooted rivalry, particularly during sporting competitions.
“There is deep rivalry,” he said, explaining that the two institutions were established by two cousins and have consequently co-existed for years.
The MP said the absence of a physical barrier between the schools has also contributed to the tensions, with facilities belonging to both institutions located close to each other along the shared boundary.
He noted that some dormitories and classroom blocks belonging to Okuapeman SHS are situated along the border with Mount Sinai, while Mount Sinai also has washrooms, staff bungalows, dormitories and other facilities bordering Okuapeman.
According to Mr Awuku, tensions between the schools have been particularly evident during football competitions, although other incidents have also triggered confrontations over the years.
He said the situation became serious on Monday when there were reports of students from both schools pelting each other with stones, prompting the police to intervene.
Some police officers were reportedly injured while attempting to restore calm.
Mr Awuku said the police remained in the area for some time before leaving on Monday evening but returned on Tuesday as tensions persisted.
He said the situation eventually escalated into reprisal attacks in the early hours of Wednesday, resulting in extensive damage to facilities at both schools.
According to the MP, school authorities reported that about 25 Mount Sinai students were injured, with some requiring surgery, while seven Okuapeman students were also injured.
“Four of the injured Okuapeman students had been treated and discharged as of Wednesday,” he said.
Mr Awuku recalled that the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) had engaged the management of both schools about two years ago and encouraged them to strengthen their relationship and promote peaceful coexistence.
He said the latest incident, however, shows that more needs to be done, particularly by parents, to address the underlying rivalry among students.
“I was shocked by what I saw, and I think we have gotten to the point where parents must play a role in the shaping of our children,” he said.
Mr Awuku urged parents, school authorities and other stakeholders to work together to prevent the rivalry from escalating into further violence and destruction.
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