Three students of the Nkwanta Senior High School (SHS) in the Oti Region have tragically lost their lives following a resurgence of ethnic violence in the Nkwanta township.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, June 26, and Friday, June 27, 2025, claimed the lives of two female day students in Forms Two and Three of the General Arts programme, as well as a male Form Three Business student.
The girls were reportedly caught in the crossfire on their way home from school on Thursday, while the male student was fatally struck by a stray bullet the following day.
In response to the tragedy, the Ghana Education Service (GES), in consultation with the Acting Oti Regional Director of Education, has taken the precautionary step of temporarily closing down the school to safeguard the remaining students and staff. The GES has also coordinated with security agencies to provide police escorts for students returning to their respective homes.
A statement from the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry of Education expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Nkwanta SHS community. The Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, described the incident as a heartbreaking development and assured affected stakeholders of the Ministry’s support.
“The Ministry commiserates with all students, their families, staff of Nkwanta SHS, and everyone affected by these senseless acts of violence within the community,” the statement read.
The Education Minister also commended the GES for what he termed a “swift but necessary” decision to close down the school and arrange police escorts for students. He further directed GES management to maintain close monitoring of the situation and ensure the continued safety of all students, staff, and school property.
“We look forward to a rapid and peaceful resolution to the conflict to enable students to return to a safe learning environment.”
Authorities have assured the public that efforts are underway to restore calm in the area.
By: Daniel Orlando/newsalertgh.com
