Obuasi SHTS to reopen next week as GES moves to restore normalcy after three-month closure

The Ghana Education Service has announced that continuing students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School will resume classes next week, marking an attempt to restore normal operations at the institution nearly three months after its closure due to widespread campus disturbances in August.

According to a GES statement released on Thursday, October 22, the management of the school has completed preparations for the return of continuing students, who have been at home since August 5. First-year students, however, have remained on campus since their reporting date on September 18, and will continue their studies as the school transitions back to full operations.

What triggered the closure

The closure came after violent unrest erupted on campus in the early morning hours of August 5, stemming from a disturbing discovery on the school compound. Students reportedly found what was believed to be human remains, described as those of a baby, buried somewhere on the grounds. Following this discovery, some students confronted the school's headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, linking him to the incident. The confrontation escalated into violence, during which the headmaster was assaulted and sustained injuries severe enough to require treatment at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.

The unrest resulted in significant damage to school property, with staff bungalows and vehicles vandalised during the disturbances. Six students were subsequently arrested in connection with the violence, as authorities worked to restore order and secure the campus.

Compounding concerns and implications for Ghana's education sector

The August incident represents only part of the troubles facing Obuasi SHTS. The school has faced additional scrutiny following sexual abuse allegations against headmaster Abdulai, which gained wider public attention following an investigative report by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni. These allegations have added another layer of concern to the institution's credibility and management, even as the GES attempts to move forward with reopening the school.

The situation at Obuasi SHTS reflects broader challenges facing Ghana's secondary education system, where incidents of violence, abuse allegations, and management crises have occasionally disrupted the academic calendar and raised questions about student safety and institutional oversight. The three-month closure has disrupted the academic progress of continuing students and raised concerns about how the school will address underlying issues before welcoming students back.

The GES has indicated it will provide further updates on the arrangements for the return of continuing students as necessary, suggesting that authorities are taking a cautious approach to the reopening. Whether the school's management and the education authority will implement additional measures to address student concerns and prevent future disturbances remains to be seen.

Parents and students will be watching closely as Obuasi SHTS attempts to rebuild trust and return to a stable academic environment in the coming weeks.