Zuarungu: The Zuarungu Senior High School (SHS) in the Bolgatanga East District has been closed indefinitely, following a violent clash among students over allegations of mobile phone theft.
According to Ghana News Agency, the incident occurred over the weekend when three students were accused of stealing mobile phones belonging to other students. The accusations led to a confrontation that quickly escalated into a violent altercation and a riot on campus.
The conflict extended to a provision shop within the school's fenced area, which was set ablaze before security personnel from the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces intervened to restore order. During the chaos, a student allegedly attempted to disarm a police officer but was unsuccessful.
Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, expressed concerns over the security threat posed by the attempt to snatch a police weapon. The incident created tension and an unsafe environment, prompting authorities to evacuate students, especially those from distant locations, under tight security.
Four students have been arrested and are currently in police custody, assisting with the investigation. Mr. Akamugri clarified that no firearms were found on the students, and only one student sustained a forehead injury during a struggle in a police vehicle.
The school has been closed indefinitely as security agencies work to stabilize the situation and conduct a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible. A meeting with parents and guardians has been scheduled to discuss the incident and seek their support in preventing future occurrences.
Mr. Akamugri has also instructed the Regional Director of Education to advise heads of second-cycle institutions to report similar incidents to security authorities promptly. He urged parents to support school authorities in enforcing rules, particularly those related to mobile phone use on campuses.
