Nkwanta SHS Student Killed by Stray Bullet During Exam, GES Orders Closure of School

• A student at Nkwanta Senior High School in the Oti Region was killed in an incident related to ethnic violence
• The shooting has compelled the Ghana Education Service to close down the Nkwanta Senior High School
• The Acting Regional Director of Education said the closure was needed to protect students and staff

A student at Nkwanta Senior High School in the Oti Region has been killed in an incident related to ethnic violence in the area.

Joy News reported that the incident occurred around midday on June 27 when the student was struck by a stray bullet while writing his mock examination.

The Ghana Education Service has since ordered the immediate closure of Nkwanta Senior High School.

This followed consultations between education authorities and security officials.

In a memo dated June 27, the Acting Regional Director of Education said the temporary closure is necessary to protect students and staff.

On June 26, two female day students sustained gunshot wounds while on their way to school.

The violence continued on June 27, when the male student was killed by a stray bullet inside his classroom during mock examinations.

The Acting Regional Director of Education confirmed arrangements are underway to provide police escorts for all students returning home.

"Given the immediate threat to the safety and well-being of students and staff, the Regional Director of Education, Oti Region, has held extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including the school authorities, the District Director of Education, security officials, and the Regional Minister."

This measure aims to ensure their safe passage amid the ongoing conflict.

Renewed violence in Nkwanta

GBC news reported that scores of people are said to have been wounded following the recent violence.

The violent clashes reportedly surprised local authorities, given an earlier agreement had been reached to suspend all public festivals due to the fragile peace in the area.

Residents say gunshots were heard around 2:00 am on June 26 after a group attempted to perform libation rites as part of preparations for the upcoming Yam Festival.

The act was reportedly resisted by a rival group, reigniting longstanding tensions among the area’s ethnic factions.

Commenting on the violent clashes in an interview with journalists, the Municipal Chief Executive for Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly, Joseph Antwi, confirmed the incident.

According to Antwi, two people were initially rushed to the hospital; however, one of them died while receiving treatment. He added that two young women were also shot during the incident, and one of them is currently unaccounted for.

“We rushed them to the hospital, but this afternoon around 3 PM, one passed, but the other is receiving treatment. Two young ladies were also shot; one has been moved to the hospital, the other, we can’t find her. We do not know her whereabouts as I speak."

The Nkwanta South MCE assured that efforts are underway to restore calm and trace the missing individual.

Police man teaches Maths in Nkwanta

YEN.com.gh reported that a police officer in Nkwanta was captured teaching students mathematics in a classroom, an action which warmed many hearts online.

The officer was stepping in for the teachers who had left the town due to the longstanding conflict in the area.

Nkwanta is a town and is the District capital of Nkwanta South Municipal District, in the Oti Region of Ghana.

Source: YEN.com.gh