Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, has provided an update on the recent clash between the Sokode community and students of Sokode Senior High Technical School, which led to the temporary closure of the institution. Speaking to the press, Hon. Gunu detailed the events and measures taken to restore calm and ensure the safety of students and residents.
The clash erupted earlier today, prompting swift intervention by the police to restore law and order. According to Hon. Gunu, the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) acted quickly to assess the situation and decided to temporarily close the school to protect lives and property.
“The lives of the students and their safety were our top priority. After consultations, we concluded that the school should be closed temporarily, and all students have been sent home,” he stated.
A total of 22 people sustained injuries during the clash, including 19 students, 2 community members, and 1 journalist. All injured individuals have received medical treatment and have been discharged. Hon. Gunu confirmed that the situation is now under control, with no students remaining on campus as of 6 p.m.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has been directed to constitute a committee to investigate the cause of the clash. While the details remain unclear, initial observations suggest a breakdown in the relationship between the school authorities and the Sokode community.
“I cannot go into the specifics at this stage because the matter is still under investigation. However, we are confident that the committee will uncover the root causes of the clash and provide recommendations to prevent future occurrences,” Hon. Gunu explained.
The Minister noted that the school was already scheduled to vacate next week, making this an early closure for the students. He assured parents and guardians that all students are safe, with some already reunited with their families and others en route to their homes.
“We wish all students a safe journey back home and look forward to welcoming them back to campus in a few weeks,” he added.
Hon. Gunu emphasized that the school will remain closed until REGSEC is confident that the situation has been fully resolved and it is safe for students to return. He called for calm and cooperation from both the school community and residents of Sokode as investigations continue.
The clash at Sokode Senior High Technical School has raised concerns about the relationship between educational institutions and their host communities. As authorities work to address the underlying issues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of students while fostering harmony between the school and the community.
Story by Freedom Lavoe.
