Zuarungu Senior High School in the Upper East Region has been shut down indefinitely following a violent ethnic clash between students from the Gurune and Kusasi communities. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, July 20, resulted in widespread destruction of school property and raised serious concerns about student safety.
The closure was ordered by the Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, after tensions on campus spiraled into a violent brawl. According to eyewitness accounts and school authorities, the altercation began after a student allegedly stole a mobile phone. The issue quickly escalated into an ethnic confrontation, drawing in more students from both factions.
Several school properties were vandalized during the unrest, with reports indicating that some buildings and facilities were set ablaze. Although the full extent of the damage has yet to be determined, preliminary assessments suggest significant losses to school infrastructure.
Security personnel were quickly deployed to the scene to restore calm. So far, four students have been implicated in the violence. Three of them have been arrested and are in police custody, while the fourth is currently on the run. Authorities are particularly concerned because the fugitive reportedly fled with a police officer’s firearm magazine, raising fears of potential future violence.
Hon. Atanga, in announcing the shutdown, emphasized that the decision was made to preserve peace and protect lives. “The safety of our students and teachers cannot be compromised. We must take swift and decisive action to ensure such acts do not recur,” he stated.
The Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has intensified its operations and is coordinating with law enforcement to track down the remaining suspect and prevent further disturbances. Security has also been reinforced around the school premises.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Education Service (GES) is expected to issue guidelines on the next steps, including timelines for reopening the school and strategies to address ethnic tensions among students.
Investigations are still underway.