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

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has ordered the immediate closure of Nkwanta Senior High School in the Oti Region following a renewed outbreak of ethnic conflict that tragically claimed the lives of three students in two days.

According to official reports, two female General Arts day students were fatally hit by stray bullets on Thursday, June 26, while walking home. The violence escalated the next day, leading to the death of a third victim—a male Form Three Business student—who was also struck by gunfire during school hours.

The GES, in response, swiftly implemented a shutdown of the institution and coordinated with local law enforcement to safely evacuate boarding students under police escort. The Acting Oti Regional Director of Education oversaw the closure, citing concerns for student safety as paramount.

Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, described the killings as “senseless and heartbreaking,” urging both local authorities and community leaders to intensify efforts toward restoring peace. He emphasized that no child should lose their life in pursuit of education and expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

This incident marks another tragic episode in the protracted ethnic tensions that have affected parts of the Nkwanta area. Local analysts warn that unless structural peace-building measures are enacted, such conflicts could continue to disrupt social cohesion and undermine education and development in the region.

Law enforcement agencies have reportedly arrested eight suspects in connection with the recent violence. Investigations are ongoing.

The closure of Nkwanta SHS not only disrupts academic progress for hundreds of students but also spotlights the broader issue of ethnic conflicts spilling into civilian spaces. Education stakeholders and human rights advocates have called on the government to prioritize conflict resolution mechanisms and community engagement strategies, especially in ethnically sensitive regions.

As of now, GES has not announced when the school will reopen, pending a full assessment of the security situation.