Photos: Okuapeman, Mount Sinai SHSs shut down after students clash, burn classrooms
The Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has closed down the Okuapeman Senior High School and the Mount Sinai Senior High Schools in the Akuapem North Municipality following reprisal attacks which led to the burning and destruction of several structures in both schools.
It’s unclear what triggered the attacks but the incident which occurred at about 2am on Wednesday September 2, 2026 saw six students of Okuapeman SHS (OKUASS) hospitalised after sustaining injuries.
According to the Headmaster of Okuapeman SHS, 4 of the students who were rushed to the hospital after the incident have been treated and discharged with the remaining two still on admission.
The Visual Arts studio, teachers office and 7 other classrooms at the Okuapeman SHS have all been burnt including exams papers and certificates.
Similarly, the store room and boys washroom at Mount Sinai Senior High School has also been burnt.
REGSEC after inspecting the extent of damages at both schools subsequently directed the closure of both schools with students of Mount Sinai expected to leave campus before 1pm on Wednesday, September 2 while students of Okuapeman SHS leave on the morning of Thursday, September 3.
The Eastern Regional Director of Education Dr. Ivy Asantewaa who addressed the students described the situation as unfortunate and indicated that the GES will not shield any student involved in the attack.
“It doesn’t take one person to fight, it takes two or more. We are not happy with what has happened. You are here to study and avail yourself to be morally upright and so you need to comport yourselves,” she added.
The Eastern Regional Police Commander DCOP Owusu-Bempah who expressed his disgust about how students attacked police officers who were deployed to the schools at the early stages during the incident assured both schools that all perpetrators will be fished out and prosecuted.
Chairperson of REGSEC who doubles as the Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey expressed her disappointment about the incident especially at a time where government is working to retool and enhance facilities at senior high schools across the country.
She said investigations are ongoing and all suspects will be dealt with according to the law.
“We are building a nation, we are not destroying a nation. We are resetting and that includes resetting you. Investigations are going on, those who started throwing the stones will not be allowed to go scot-free,” she said.
