The Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has ordered the immediate closure of Zuarungu Senior High School (SHS) until further notice. This directive follows a violent altercation between students from the Gurune and Kusasi ethnic groups that erupted on campus on Sunday, July 20.
According to eyewitness accounts, the conflict was triggered by the alleged theft of a mobile phone, which quickly escalated into a full-blown clash involving dozens of students. What began as a dispute between individuals rapidly turned into a large-scale confrontation between members of the two ethnic groups.
The chaos led to the destruction of school property, including the burning of some buildings, leaving parts of the campus in ruins and sparking fear among students, staff, and the surrounding community.
In response to the rising tensions and growing security concerns, Minister Atanga announced the school's closure to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of all students and staff.
“The security of our children and the integrity of our educational institutions must be safeguarded,” he said in a statement. “We cannot allow such incidents to take root in our schools.”
Regional security forces have been deployed to the area to restore calm and investigate the cause and extent of the violence. Authorities are also working with school administrators and local leaders to assess the damage and mediate between the feuding groups.
Parents have been advised to pick up their wards as soon as possible, while the Ghana Education Service (GES) is expected to issue further instructions regarding academic continuity and the reopening of the school.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about inter-ethnic tensions in parts of the Upper East Region, with many calling for more proactive conflict resolution mechanisms within schools.
As investigations continue, the regional minister has pledged to hold those responsible accountable and to implement measures aimed at preventing such disturbances in the future.