ER: Okwapeman SHS and Mount Sinai SHS students directed to leave campus due to violent clashes

Violent clashes between Okuapeman Senior High School and Mount Sinai Senior High School in Ghana's Akuapem North Municipality have forced both institutions to close temporarily. The Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) closed Okuapeman SHS and Mount Sinai SHS after a night-time incident on September 2, 2026, resulted in the destruction of facilities and injuries.

Six students from Okuapeman SHS were injured during the altercation that took place around 2:00 a.m. Four of the injured students have since been treated and discharged, while two remain hospitalized. The fire caused significant damage to several facilities at Okuapeman SHS, including the Visual Arts studio, teachers' office, and seven classrooms, as well as burning examination papers and certificates.

Mount Sinai SHS also suffered damages, with its store room and boys' washroom destroyed by fire. REGSEC visited both schools to assess the situation, leading to the temporary closure of Mount Sinai SHS by 1:00 p.m. on the same day. Okuapeman SHS students were expected to leave the campus the following morning.

Dr. Ivy Asantewaa, the Eastern Regional Director of Education, condemned the incident and warned the Ghana Education Service (GES) that those found guilty of participating in the attacks would not be spared. She emphasized the importance of discipline and urged students to focus on their education.

The Eastern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Owusu-Bempah, expressed concern over the attackers' actions, particularly reports of police officers being assaulted. He assured the schools that the police would investigate the incident and hold the perpetrators accountable. Anyone found responsible will be arrested and prosecuted.

Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, Chairperson of REGSEC and Eastern Regional Minister, expressed disappointment over the incident, occurring at a time when the government is focused on improving senior high school facilities across the country. She warned that those responsible for the destruction would face the law, stating, "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."

REGSEC will collaborate with other authorities to ensure the responsible parties face justice. The cause of the confrontation between the two schools remains unclear, and ongoing investigations are underway.