Authorities have ordered the closure of Nkwanta Senior High School in Ghana’s Oti Region after a male student was tragically shot and killed while sitting for his mock examination.
The shocking incident, which occurred inside a classroom, triggered panic across the school and reignited concerns over escalating tribal conflict in the area. The Ghana Education Service (GES), citing safety concerns, directed that the school be temporarily closed on Friday, June 27, 2025.
Just a day earlier, two female students had reportedly sustained injuries after being struck by stray bullets while making their way to school. The shooting incidents form part of a disturbing pattern of violence that has plagued the municipality in recent weeks.
This latest tragedy follows an earlier wave of chaos at the school in May. On May 13, tensions boiled over when over 200 mobile phones were confiscated by school staff during class hours. Angry students erupted in protest, which soon turned violent. The school’s bus was among several properties vandalised, and some teachers reportedly suffered physical attacks during the upheaval.
The mayhem was eventually brought under control through military intervention, but the damage had already been done. Disciplinary measures, including corporal punishment, were imposed on students found responsible for the riot.
Speaking after the latest events, the Headmaster, Solomon Bagman, described the loss and disorder as extremely troubling. Municipal Education Director Jonathan Korsinah also weighed in, condemning the violence and assuring the public that investigations were actively ongoing.
As of now, nine students have been taken into police custody in connection with the earlier disturbances, particularly the destruction of school property. Authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the deadly shooting and to prevent further escalation.
