Okuapeman-Mount Sinai attacks: Anyone involved will face accountability – Dr Apaak

Deputy Education Minister Dr Clement Apaak has stated that a wide-ranging investigation into the violent clash between Okuapeman Senior High School and Mount Sinai Senior High School may extend beyond students. According to Dr Apaak, police are considering the possibility that individuals not directly connected to either school may have played a role in the violence that resulted in property damage and destruction.

Speaking to Citi FM’s Eyewitness News, Dr Apaak said the police commander indicated that investigators would not limit their probe to just the students involved. “The police commander insinuated that they are not going to limit the investigation to just students,” he explained. He further noted that investigators were exploring whether external actors may have contributed to the escalation of the situation.

“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.

The government, Dr Apaak indicated, would await the police’s comprehensive report before deciding on any further actions. He expressed appreciation for the arrests already made and commended the Eastern Regional Minister and the Regional Directorate of Education for their prompt response. The violence erupted early Wednesday, September 2, leading to retaliatory attacks and the destruction of various school facilities.

Six Okuapeman SHS students were hospitalized for their injuries, sustained during the incident, which occurred at around 2 a.m. Several classrooms, a Visual Arts studio, a teachers' office, and examination papers and certificates were also damaged or destroyed at Okuapeman SHS. A storeroom and boys' washroom at Mount Sinai SHS were also burnt.

Dr Apaak emphasized that the government would ensure accountability for all persons found to have contributed to the violence or destruction of property, not limited to students, but potentially extending to teachers, staff members, school management, or any other individuals involved.