Okuapeman-Mount Sinai clash: Police probe widens beyond students as government investigates possible outside influence

The Police investigation into the violent confrontation between Okuapeman Senior High School and Mount Sinai Senior High School could extend beyond the students involved, Deputy Minister for Education Dr Clement Apaak has disclosed.

Dr Apaak said investigators were exploring the possibility that people who are not students of either institution may have influenced, encouraged or facilitated the violence.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Wednesday, September 2, he said the police commander had indicated that the investigation would not be confined to students.

“The police commander insinuated that they are not going to limit the investigation to just students,” Dr Apaak said.

He said investigators were also examining whether other individuals may have played a role in escalating the confrontation, even if their involvement was indirect.

“There could be other influences who may not even be students, but may have played a role in enhancing, even if tacitly, what happened,” he added.

Government awaits police findings

Dr Apaak said the government would allow the Police to complete their investigation before deciding on any further action.

He welcomed reports that some arrests had already been made and commended the Eastern Regional Minister and the Regional Directorate of Education for steps taken to restore calm following the incident.

The clash between the two schools subsequently resulted in reprisal attacks and significant destruction of property on both campuses.

Six students of Okuapeman SHS were hospitalised after sustaining injuries during the violence, which occurred at about 2 a.m. on Wednesday.

School property destroyed

Several facilities at Okuapeman SHS were reportedly burnt during the attacks. They included the Visual Arts studio, a teachers’ office and seven classrooms.

The violence also led to the destruction of examination papers and certificates, potentially affecting important academic records.

At Mount Sinai SHS, a storeroom and the boys’ washroom were also reportedly set ablaze.

Dr Apaak stressed that the government would pursue accountability once the investigations establish those responsible for the violence and destruction.

He said responsibility would not be determined solely on the basis of whether an individual was a student.

Anyone found to have participated in or contributed to the destruction, including teachers, staff members or school management officials, would be subject to appropriate action, he stated.

The Deputy Minister said the government would rely on the Police report to determine the full circumstances surrounding the clash and guide its next steps.