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GES Shuts Down Bawku, Nalerigu, and Zuarungu SHSs After Deadly Violence in Upper East
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has ordered the temporary closure of several senior high schools in the Upper East Region following a series of violent incidents that have led to student deaths, injuries, and property damage.
Affected institutions include Bawku SHS, Nalerigu SHS, and Zuarungu SHS, which came under attack between July 20 and 26, sparking fear and disruption across the region’s academic landscape.
In a statement released Tuesday, July 29, GES described the attacks as “tragic” and “completely unacceptable,” stressing the urgent need to prioritize the safety of students and staff.
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“GES expresses its sincerest condolences to the bereaved families and affected school communities. We stand with them in this difficult moment and assure them of our full support,” the statement said.
The decision to shut down the schools follows incidents in which students were killed or wounded, classrooms and dormitories were vandalized, and learning came to a halt. The exact causes of the violence are yet to be fully established, though regional security tensions are suspected to have spilled over into school environments.
GES stated that it is working closely with the Ministry of Education, WAEC, and local school authorities to ensure that final-year students can still sit for their WASSCE exams in a safe and secure setting. Plans are currently underway to establish special examination centers for SHS 3 students.
“For SHS 1 and 2 students, GES is exploring all viable learning avenues, including virtual and alternative platforms, to ensure academic continuity during the closure,” the statement added.
The Service also noted that counseling services are being scaled up for both students and staff across the affected schools to help them deal with trauma and anxiety stemming from the events.
GES commended the Ministry of the Interior and security agencies for swiftly evacuating students and securing school premises. It also appealed to parents, community leaders, and law enforcement to support national efforts in restoring peace and protecting educational institutions.
“Schools are sanctuaries for learning and development—not zones of conflict,” the statement concluded. “We urge all stakeholders to help uphold the sanctity of our schools.”
Further updates on the reopening of schools and implementation of recovery measures will be issued in the coming days.
Read the full press statement here:
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