GES orders investigation after students injure headteacher

Ghana's Education Service has been ordered to investigate an attack on a headteacher who was seriously injured during unrest at Obuasi Senior High Technical School in the Ashanti Region, as authorities seek to identify those responsible.

The Ministry of Education said it had directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to investigate the disturbance and ensure anyone found culpable faces appropriate sanctions.

Headteacher Abdulai Zakaria is receiving treatment at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi after suffering a head injury during Tuesday night's violence.

The ministry described the assault as "reprehensible and criminal", saying such acts have no place in Ghana's schools.

"The Ministry considers this act of violence and lawlessness as reprehensible and criminal. Such conduct has no place within Ghana's educational institutions and will not be tolerated under any circumstances," a statement signed by Deputy Education Minister Dr Clement Abas Apak said.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has instructed the GES to begin an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Officials say those found responsible will face sanctions under existing education regulations.

The Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive, Faustilove Appiah Kannin, said Mr Zakaria was initially treated at the AngloGold Ashanti Hospital before being transferred to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital after doctors confirmed he had suffered a head fracture.

Police were deployed to restore order at the school, and several students have been arrested as investigations continue.

The ministry said it would work with the GES and other state institutions to strengthen discipline, improve the safety of students and school leaders, and help prevent similar incidents.

The Obuasi Municipal Assembly has since ordered the indefinite closure of the school, while police continue to investigate what triggered the unrest.