Gunshot incident at Bantama SDA SHS linked to student’s overstayed exeat
Fresh details have emerged surrounding the shooting incident at Bantama Seventh-Day Adventist Senior High School in Kumasi, as the suspect, was reported to have overstayed an exeat before the event unfolded.
According to the school’s headmistress, Grace Kafui Ayi, the second-year student, had taken an exeat on 18 March 2025, to travel to Kronum for medical treatment. He was expected to return to school by 20 March 2025, but failed to do so.
Instead, the suspect continued to attend school as a day student without informing the school authorities or the housemaster of his change in status.
On 4 April 2025, during a break period, the suspect allegedly pulled out a gun from his school bag and threatened to shoot a fellow student.
According to witnesses, the situation escalated when he attempted to show the gun to his classmate. During this exchange, the firearm accidentally discharged, striking the victim in the face and causing significant bleeding.
The incident was immediately reported to school authorities, who swiftly informed the police. Officers from the Suame District Police Headquarters responded quickly, apprehending him and recovering the weapon.
The victim was rushed to the Kwadaso SDA Hospital for initial treatment before being referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for further care. She is now reported to be in stable condition.
The juvenile is currently in police custody, and investigations are underway.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding his possession of the firearm, but it has been confirmed that the weapon was taken from his father’s home without his knowledge.
The incident has raised serious concerns about student safety and security protocols at schools, with many calling for stricter measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. The Ashanti Regional Police Command has promised to provide updates on the investigation as it unfolds.
