Academic activities have resumed at the Bokankye D/A School in the Atwima Nwabiagya North Municipality of the Ashanti Region under strict security protection, following its closure due to gunfire by land guards over a disputed piece of land near the school.
On Thursday, February 27, 2025, teachers and school authorities at Bokankye Kindergarten, Primary, and Junior High School temporarily shut down the school after land guards fired gunshots near the premises.
Reports indicate that a disputed piece of land near the school is at the centre of a conflict between two chiefs, prompting one of them to deploy land guards to assert control.
After a series of engagements between school authorities, traditional leaders, and security personnel in the area, a consensus was reached to resume academic activities on Tuesday, March 4 and ensure students’ right to education is upheld.
Speaking to Citi News, the assistant headteacher of the school, Francis Kakari, and the vice chairman of the Unit Committee, Richard Kwabena Boateng, confirmed the presence of security personnel at the school’s boundaries to ensure students’ safety.
However, they noted that there were no visible security officers within the school compound as personnel opted to remain stationed at vantage points around the school rather than appearing in full regalia and armed, to prevent fear and panic among students.
The assistant headteacher, Francis Kakari, also confirmed low attendance and urged parents to allow their children to return to school, assuring them of their safety.
“From the assurance we had from the district commander, we had no option but to resume school. On resuming today, attendance is very low. So, we had to inform the entire school, to inform the others who are not here, so they all return.
“We have also given information to the information centre so they can inform the others. We are doing all we can to ensure that school is in full session,” he stated.
Gunfire over land dispute shuts down Bokankye D/A school temporarily