The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the killing of two female students of Nkwanta Senior High School in the Oti Region, following violent clashes linked to renewed tribal conflict in the area.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, June 26, 2025, left the nation stunned as the victims, both day students were caught in a shooting while on their way home from school.
A third student, a male, was injured the following day by a stray bullet.
Visibly moved by the tragedy, the Minister, condemned the violence in the strongest terms, calling the deaths of the innocent girls “an unspeakable loss and a grave injustice to our nation’s future.”
“I am appalled that these young girls whose only goal was to learn and grow were taken from us in such a brutal and senseless manner,” the Minister said in a statement issued in Accra by the Ministry.
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In response to the crisis, Mr Iddrisu, threw his full support behind the swift decision by the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Acting Oti Regional Director of Education to temporarily shut down the school.
He described the action as, “timely and necessary” in preventing further harm to students and staff.
He further applauded the swift coordination with security forces, which ensured that all students were safely escorted back to their homes under police protection.
“This is not just a security measure it is an act of care and responsibility,” he stated.
“We cannot continue to risk the lives of our children in the name of education while bullets fly around them. Their safety comes first.”
The Minister, also directed the GES to keep a vigilant eye on the unfolding situation and ensure that school infrastructure and personnel remain protected until peace is fully restored.
Mr Iddrisu, concluded with a plea for community leaders to work together for a peaceful resolution.
“Our schools must remain safe havens, not battlefields. The future of Ghana depends on it.”
The Ministry of Education, says it is working closely with security agencies, local authorities, and the GES to determine the appropriate time for reopening the school, once safety can be guaranteed.
