Security has been strengthened at Bawku Senior High School (SHS) in the Upper East Region as investigations continue to identify and arrest those responsible for a violent student rampage that occurred during the early hours of yesterday.

The incident, which happened around 1 a.m., saw some students attacking teachers and destroying both school and private property following strict enforcement of examination rules during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Reports indicate that the unrest was triggered when school authorities and invigilators intensified efforts to curb examination malpractice. In response, some final-year students allegedly went on a rampage, vandalising school facilities, destroying personal belongings of staff, burning motorbikes, and damaging electricity meters as well as parts of the school’s market area. Teachers who resisted attempts to cheat were also reportedly attacked.

Despite the incident, education authorities have ruled out closing the school, assuring that teaching, learning, and examinations will continue under enhanced security measures.

The Bawku Municipal Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Isaac Agbeko Azasoo, said the situation escalated after some final-year students, who are due to complete their exams this week, reacted angrily to the strict enforcement of examination regulations.

He confirmed that two teachers were assaulted, with one sustaining severe injuries and referred to the Upper East Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga for treatment.

“Some of the students were not happy with the strict enforcement of examination regulations. They thought they were close to completing school and decided to vent their anger on some teachers,” he explained.

Azasoo added that security personnel were quickly deployed to restore calm and prevent further escalation.

He further described the destruction as extensive, affecting both government property and personal belongings of staff. Several motorbikes belonging to teachers were destroyed, while laptops, television sets, and other valuables were vandalised or stolen.

Staff residences were also targeted, with electricity meters and water systems damaged.

“Properties belonging to both staff and the government have been destroyed. They caused extensive damage to electrical installations, especially electricity meters serving staff bungalows. The water supply systems to some residences were also affected,” he added.