Authorities have indefinitely closed Obuasi Senior High Technical School in the Ashanti Region following a violent disturbance on campus that resulted in the headmaster sustaining life-threatening injuries.
The decision was announced by the Obuasi Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) after an emergency meeting held at the school in the wake of the unrest.
The school’s headmaster, Abdullai Zakaria, was reportedly attacked by a section of students after rumours circulated on campus alleging that he had secretly buried an infant within the school compound. The allegations remain under police investigation and have not been established as fact.
The assault left the headmaster with serious head injuries. He was initially treated at the AngloGold Ashanti Hospital in Obuasi before being transferred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi for specialised medical care.
Addressing the media after the emergency meeting, Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive, Faustilove Appiah Kannin, said the temporary closure of the school was necessary to safeguard lives and property while investigations continue.
She explained that school authorities were conducting a roll call of all students before they would be released to return home.
Police have since arrested six students in connection with the assault as investigations continue into the attack, the destruction of school property and the allegations that sparked the violence.
The unrest also resulted in extensive damage to property on the school campus. The headmaster’s official vehicle was vandalised, while other facilities were also damaged during the chaos.
Security personnel remain stationed at the school to maintain law and order, with all teaching and learning activities suspended until further notice.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has commenced investigations into the assault on the headmaster, the destruction of property and the allegations that prompted the disturbance.
The incident has renewed concerns about campus security, the spread of unverified information and the dangers of resorting to violence before investigations are concluded. Authorities have appealed for calm while the law takes its course.
By: Michael Walier
