Education Ministry: Police Probe into Okuapeman-Mount Sinai Clash May Extend Beyond Students
The investigation into the violent clash between Okuapeman Senior High School and Mount Sinai Senior High School may extend beyond students, Deputy Minister for Education Dr Clement Apaak has disclosed.
According to Dr Apaak, the police are examining the possibility that individuals who are not students may have influenced, encouraged or facilitated the violence.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Wednesday, September 2, the Deputy Minister said investigators would not restrict their inquiry to students alone.
“The police commander insinuated that they are not going to limit the investigation to just students,” Dr Apaak said.
He explained that investigators were considering whether external individuals could have played a role in escalating the situation.
Dr Apaak said the government would await the outcome of the police investigation before deciding on further measures. He also welcomed reports that some arrests had already been made and commended the Eastern Regional Minister and the Regional Directorate of Education for their interventions.
The investigation follows a violent clash between the two schools that resulted in injuries, reprisal attacks and the destruction of school property.
Six students of Okuapeman SHS were reportedly hospitalised after sustaining injuries during the incident, which occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
Several facilities at Okuapeman SHS were also reportedly destroyed by fire, including the Visual Arts studio, a teachers’ office and seven classrooms. Examination papers and certificates were among items reportedly lost in the destruction.
At Mount Sinai SHS, a storeroom and the boys’ washroom were also reportedly burnt.
Dr Apaak stressed that anyone found to have contributed to the violence or destruction would be held accountable, regardless of their position.
He said this could include students, teachers, staff members or school management officials, depending on the findings of the investigation.
The Deputy Minister maintained that the government would rely on the police report to establish the circumstances surrounding the violence and determine the appropriate action to protect students and school communities.
