GES closes Nkwanta SHS after renewed ethnic conflict led to killing of 3 students

Three students of the Nkwanta Senior High School in the Oti Region have died following a renewed ethnic conflict in the Nkwanta area.

The deaths occurred on Thursday and Friday.

Two girls, both of whom were General Arts students and are in Form two and three, were day  students who were going home after school last Thursday. 

The third student, a male Business Form Three student, also met his death on Friday from a stray bullet.

The three were caught up in stray bullets as a result of a resurgence of an ethnic conflict in the town.

Consequently, the Ghana Education Service (GES) liaising with the Acting Oti Regional Director of Education, has temporarily closed down the school.

Additionally, the GES has arranged police escorts to ensure the safe passage of students to their homes.  

A statement issued by the Public Relations Unit of the ministry conveyed the sector Minister Haruna Iddrisu's sincere condolence to the breaved families and the school.

"The Ministry of Education is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of lives of two female day students through a shooting incident on Thursday 26th June, 2025 , and a male student also hit by a stray bullet on Friday, 27th June, 2025.

"The Ministry commiserates with all students, their families, staff of Nkwanta SHS and everyone affected by these senseless acts of violence within the community," the statement said.

It said Mr Iddrisu commended the "swift but necessary decision" by the GES to temporarily close down the school and for arranging police escorts to ensure the safe passage of students to their homes.

The statement added that the minister had tasked the management of the GES to continue to closely monitor developments to ensure the safety of students, staff and school property at all times. 

"We look forward to a rapid and peaceful resolution to the conflict to enable students return to a safe learning environment," the statement concluded.