GES closes Sokode SHS indefinitely after violent clashes

The Ghana Education Service (GES) in the Volta Region has indefinitely closed down Sokode Senior High Technical School following violent clashes between students and residents of the Sokode community.

The confrontation, which began on Saturday, February 22, stemmed from unresolved disagreements and resulted in injuries on both sides.
Among the injured is a journalist from Ho-based Swiss FM, who sustained severe wounds while covering the incident.
Several students and townspeople have also suffered varying degrees of injuries.

How this this happen?

An eyewitness who recounted the incident, explained that on Friday, 21st February, some ‘notorious’ students entered the community without permission and engaged in confrontations with local residents.
This led to one of the residents sustaining an injury.

In retaliation, around ten young people from the community besieged the school premises on Sunday, 23rd February, seeking revenge.
During the confrontation, the student population of over one thousand clashed with the smaller group of town residents, overpowering them.

As a result, the community members sustained injuries, with some students also being hurt.
In the process, some school property, including a vehicle belonging to a staff member, was slightly damaged.

The violent clash in the afternoon drew the attention of the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, who intervened by deploying security officers to restore calm. Following an emergency meeting with school authorities and community leaders, it was decided that the school be closed indefinitely.

The school authorities arranged for buses from nearby Senior High Schools to transport students back to their respective destinations

According to the teacher, students will not return to school until the next term, and this term’s examinations cannot be organised until their return.

Meanwhile, injured individuals are reportedly receiving medical treatment at the Ho Teaching Hospital.