Okuapeman, Mount Sinai SHS shut down after reprisal attacks

The Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has ordered the closure of Okuapeman Senior High School and Mount Sinai Senior High School in the Akuapem North Municipality following violent reprisal attacks that resulted in the burning and destruction of several facilities at both schools.

The incident occurred at about 2am on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, although the exact cause of the attacks remains unclear.

Six students of Okuapeman SHS sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment. According to the school’s headmaster, four of the students have since been treated and discharged, while two remain on admission.

Several facilities at Okuapeman SHS were destroyed in the attack, including the Visual Arts studio, a teachers’ office and seven classrooms. Examination papers and certificates were also reportedly burnt.

At Mount Sinai SHS, the store room and boys’ washroom were also set ablaze.

Following an assessment of the damage, REGSEC directed the closure of both schools to prevent further escalation and protect students and staff.

Students of Mount Sinai SHS were instructed to leave campus by 1pm on Wednesday, September 2, while Okuapeman SHS students are expected to vacate the school on the morning of Thursday, September 3.

Addressing students, Eastern Regional Director of Education, Dr Ivy Asantewaa, described the incident as unfortunate and warned that the Ghana Education Service (GES) would not shield students found to have participated in the violence.

“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 said.

Eastern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Owusu-Bempah, expressed concern over the violence and particularly condemned attacks on police officers deployed to the schools during the early stages of the incident.

He assured school authorities that the police would identify and prosecute all persons found to have participated in the attacks.

REGSEC Chairperson and Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, also expressed disappointment over the destruction, particularly at a time when government is investing in improving infrastructure and facilities in senior high schools across the country.

She said investigations were ongoing and warned that anyone found culpable would face the full force of 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.

Authorities have not yet disclosed what triggered the violence, but investigations are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the attacks and identify those responsible.