Treat Okuapeman-Mount Sinai violent clash as a criminal matter – Akuapem North MP

Akuapem North Member of Parliament Samuel Awuku has urged students and parents of the involved schools to face legal repercussions following violent clashes between Okuapeman Senior High School (OKUASS) and Mount Sinai Senior High School. In an interview with Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr Awuku condemned the destruction of school property as "barbaric" and insisted that the incident should be addressed as a criminal matter rather than a school or local assembly issue.

The MP highlighted that the rivalry between the schools, primarily centered around sports competitions, had existed for some time but had never escalated to the level of violence witnessed in the most recent incident. Mr Awuku emphasized that the schools are situated adjacent to each other without any separating wall, but the management relationship remains cordial.

He stated that he is currently inspecting both schools with the education directorate to assess the extent of the destruction, which he described as extensive and unfixable without holding someone accountable. Mr Awuku commended the efforts of the Ghana Police Service, teachers, headmasters, and education officials in restoring calm and praised their intervention in controlling the situation.

Following the incident, authorities have directed students to return home temporarily while measures are taken to address the situation. The violent clashes, which occurred around 2 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, resulted in significant property damage at both schools. At OKUASS, the Visual Arts studio, a teachers' office, and seven classrooms were destroyed by fire, with examination papers and certificates reportedly burned.

Six students sustained injuries and were admitted to the hospital. At Mount Sinai Senior High School, a storeroom and the boys' washroom were set ablaze. The Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) subsequently directed both schools to be temporarily closed. Mr Awuku expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who worked through the night to restore calm, emphasizing that collective efforts are necessary to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.