The Bolgatanga Technical Institute in Ghana’s Upper East Region has been closed down indefinitely following a violent student protest that erupted early Friday morning.
The disturbance, which began around 12:30 am, resulted in six students being injured and several school properties destroyed by fire, including the library and the senior housemaster’s office.
According to reports, the violence was sparked by the suspension of six students for misconduct. Their friends, in a show of solidarity, allegedly mobilized on Thursday night and launched an attack on the school in retaliation.
The situation quickly escalated, with police and fire personnel rushing to the scene to restore calm and extinguish the blaze.
The injured students were rushed to the Upper East Regional Hospital for treatment, while the Regional Security Council ordered the closure of the school to help de-escalate tensions and support ongoing investigations. Six students suspected to be behind the violence are currently wanted by the police.
This is not the first time the Bolgatanga Technical Institute has experienced student unrest. In 2022, the school was temporarily shut down after students protested against strict invigilation during exams, vandalizing school properties and clashing with police. Similarly, in 2015, the school was closed down indefinitely after students rioted over the deplorable condition of the dormitory buildings.
The Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, has called on the students to be disciplined and desist from taking the law into their own hands when they have grievances.
The school’s principal has also appealed for calm, stating that the damages to the school and personal properties will be paid for by the students responsible.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
