Obuasi Secondary Technical School Closed Indefinitely Following Student Disturbance
The Obuasi Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) has recommended the indefinite closure of Obuasi Secondary Technical School (OSECTECH) following a violent disturbance on campus that left the headmaster hospitalised, led to the arrest of six students, and caused extensive damage to school property.
The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of MUSEC chaired by the Municipal Chief Executive, Faustilove Appiah Kannin, after security agencies and education authorities assessed the situation on campus.
The headmaster, who sustained injuries during the incident, was initially treated at the Obuasi Government Hospital before being referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi for further medical care.
According to preliminary reports, three staff bungalows, including the headmaster’s residence and two other staff residences, were vandalised during the disturbance. Two vehicles belonging to the headmaster and the Assistant Headmaster also sustained extensive damage.
The Ghana Police Service has confirmed the arrest of six students to assist with ongoing investigations into the incident.
Addressing students on campus, Faustilove Appiah Kannin appealed for calm and assured them that the safety and welfare of every student remained the Assembly’s foremost priority.
She explained that the decision to suspend academic activities and close the school temporarily was intended to create a safe environment for investigations to proceed while ensuring the security of students, staff and school property.
The MCE urged students to cooperate fully with school authorities and security agencies as investigations continue.
Preliminary information indicates that the disturbance was triggered by allegations surrounding the discovery of a fetus within a bushy area at the far end of the school compound.
Following the discovery, some students reportedly confronted the headmaster, believing he had information about the incident. The confrontation later escalated into violence.
Police officers who responded to the scene secured the area and retrieved the fetus for preservation and further forensic examination as part of ongoing investigations.
Subsequently, some students allegedly assaulted the headmaster before vandalising his official vehicle and other school property. The unrest later spread to other staff residences, where additional damage was caused and another teacher was reportedly assaulted.
Authorities have stressed that investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding both the discovery of the fetus and the subsequent acts of violence.
The incident attracted the attention of senior officials from the education sector, including the Ashanti Regional Director of Education, heads of selected Senior High Schools, and the Municipal Directors of Education for Obuasi Municipal and Obuasi East, who visited the school to assess the situation and support efforts to restore calm.
The Municipal Security Council has appealed to students, parents, staff and the general public to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information that could prejudice investigations or heighten tensions.
Authorities have assured the public that the school’s reopening will be considered only after security assessments indicate that normal academic activities can safely resume.
Ernest Kofi Offen
ISD, Obuasi
