Zuarungu SHS closed indefinitely over violent student clashes

The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has ordered the immediate closure of Zuarungu Senior High School following violent clashes between Gurune and Kusasi students on campus.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday, July 20, 2025, was reportedly triggered by the alleged theft of a mobile phone. What began as a minor misunderstanding quickly escalated into a large-scale confrontation, resulting in the destruction of property and heightened tensions within the school community.

According to eyewitnesses, the altercation intensified when students began grouping along ethnic lines. Several school structures were vandalised and partially burned during the chaos. Authorities have yet to release an official estimate of the damage caused.

Arrests and Escape Incident

Police have confirmed that four students were arrested in connection with the incident. However, one of the suspects managed to escape while being transported to the police station.

Sources say the escapee allegedly made away with a police officer’s magazine during the incident. The Ghana Police Service has not yet commented on the specifics of how the suspect escaped custody.

Security has since been heightened across the campus and surrounding communities.

Military Escort for Bawku Students

Amid fears of possible reprisal attacks, a joint police-military team was quickly deployed to the school to contain the situation. Students from Bawku — where ethnic tensions between Kusasis and Mamprusis have remained a long-standing issue — are being escorted back to their hometowns under heavy security protection.

School authorities, together with regional security agencies, are working to ensure the safe evacuation of students and to prevent any further escalation.

Ongoing Investigations

Regional Minister Atanga, who announced the school’s closure, indicated that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and to hold the perpetrators accountable.

He called for calm among students, parents, and community leaders, urging them to support peace efforts and refrain from spreading unverified information.

“We cannot allow violence to disrupt our educational institutions and endanger lives. The full force of the law will be applied,” the Minister stated.

Background of Tensions

While authorities have not confirmed whether the incident is linked to broader ethnic tensions, Zuarungu SHS, like many schools in the Upper East Region, has students from across ethnically sensitive communities such as Bawku, Bolgatanga, and surrounding districts.

There are growing concerns that unresolved tensions in those areas may spill into schools if proactive measures are not taken.

Call for Dialogue and Security Review

Education stakeholders, including the Ghana Education Service (GES) and traditional leaders, are expected to meet in the coming days to assess the situation and determine when it may be safe for the school to reopen.

Meanwhile, regional security personnel remain on high alert, and surveillance has been intensified around the school and nearby communities.