The Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, ordered the immediate closure of the school on Sunday, July 20, after violent clashes broke out between Frafra and Kusasi students over an alleged mobile phone theft.

Describing the incident as “unfortunate,” the Minister assured that anyone found culpable would face the full force of the law, adding that no student involved in criminal activity would be spared.

Reacting to the development, Mr. Musah in an interview with Adom News expressed deep disappointment over the involvement of students—who, he said, should be ambassadors of peace—in such acts of violence.

“The boarding school system is meant to help students learn to live peacefully with others and build healthy relationships,” he stated. “It is saddening that such regrettable incidents are happening in our schools,” he said.

GNAT is urging all stakeholders, including school authorities, parents, and community leaders, to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and ensuring that such disturbances do not occur again.

Source: Kodwo Mensah Aboroampa

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The Minister’s remarks follow a violent altercation between Frafra and Kusasi students on Sunday, July 20, allegedly triggered by the theft of a mobile phone.

The situation escalated into a full-scale brawl, during which parts of the school, including a canteen and a joint outside the school’s perimeter wall, were set ablaze.

In response, the Minister ordered the immediate closure of the school to avert further violence and possible reprisal attacks. Students from Bawku were escorted home under tight military and police protection.

In an interview with Adom News, Akamugri Atanga described the incident as unfortunate and vowed that no student involved would escape punishment.

“Any student involved in this act of violence will not be allowed to go unpunished. The disciplinary committee will take the necessary steps to ensure those involved face the full consequences of their actions,” he said.

He emphasized that both the student who allegedly stole the phone and the one who brought it to campus had breached school rules and would be sanctioned accordingly.

“The student who brought the phone to school was wrong. The one who stole it was also wrong. They will all face the consequences,” he added.

The Minister revealed that many of the students involved were in Form Three and had fled into the community before authorities could make arrests. He warned parents against shielding their wards.

“If investigations prove that some of these students have committed crimes, the police will take over. I am urging parents not to hide their children but allow them to face the necessary authorities,” he urged.

Akamugri Atanga said the situation worsened when some male students reportedly issued threats to female students, causing many girls to pack out of fear. This prompted his decision to arrange buses and provide military escorts to transport the students home safely.

“Some girls were threatened with attacks. Once I was informed, we organized transportation with military support to ensure their safe departure,” he explained.

Security officers have since been stationed on campus to maintain order and prevent further disturbances. The Minister assured that efforts were ongoing to restore calm and reopen the school.

“We are working to ensure the school resumes operations soon so that students can return to their studies in a peaceful environment,” he said.

He concluded by cautioning parents against giving mobile phones to their children, stressing that such actions often lead to problems.

“This is not the first time we are experiencing such incidents. A similar situation occurred in another school. I’m appealing to parents to stop giving mobile phones to their wards. It’s against school rules and often leads to such avoidable problems,” he cautioned.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and authorities say security measures have been heightened to prevent a recurrence.

Source: Jagri Boaz Binyinjom

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The incident, which occurred on Sunday, July 20, 2025, was reportedly triggered by the alleged theft of a mobile phone.

What began as a minor altercation quickly escalated into a full-blown brawl, resulting in the burning of some school structures and widespread tension across the campus.

Media reports indicate that four students have been arrested in connection with the violence.

However, one suspect is said to have escaped while being transported to the police station, allegedly making away with a police officer’s magazine during the escape.

In anticipation of potential reprisal attacks, a joint police-military team has been deployed to escort students from Bawku back to their hometown under heavy security.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being made to restore calm and ensure the safety of all students and staff.