Haruna Iddrisu Condemns Obuasi SHTS Violence as Six Arrested for Attack on Headmaster

The Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) have launched a high-level investigation into a violent assault on the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Mr. Abdulai Zakaria. The incident, which occurred in August 2025, saw a mob of students physically attack the headmaster and vandalize his property, including his vehicle, following unfounded rumors linking him to ritualistic activities after a baby was discovered buried near the school. Six students have been arrested in connection with the violence, while Mr. Zakaria remains hospitalized at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital receiving treatment for multiple injuries. The Ministry has characterized the attack as a criminal act rather than a simple disciplinary issue, signaling a firm stance against lawlessness in educational institutions.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu and Deputy Minister Dr. Clement Abas Apaak have condemned the violence in the strongest terms, asserting that such behavior undermines the safety and purpose of the school environment. Dr. Apaak pointed to several contributing factors fueling student indiscipline across the country, specifically highlighting the negative influence of social media, mobile phone misuse, and substance abuse. He expressed concern that many students are mimicking dangerous behaviors observed online and raised alarms regarding the growing use of narcotics and unapproved substances, including some marketed as energy drinks, which he suggested are contributing to increased aggression among the youth.

This surge in school-based violence has prompted urgent calls for a national "moral reset" from various leadership figures. Osman A. Ayariga, CEO of the National Youth Authority (NYA), speaking during an event hosted by the Christian Council of Ghana, urged for a deep collaboration between families, religious bodies, and the government to restore traditional values. Ayariga emphasized that education must focus on character and citizenship, not just academic skills. Similarly, Samuel Anim Addo, an Executive Council Member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), lamented the erosion of respect for elders and community welfare, attributing the decline in discipline to a loss of guidance from parents and the overwhelming influence of digital platforms.

In response to these challenges, stakeholders from an inter-faith dialogue in Accra have advocated for strengthening family values and increasing teacher supervision to curb the rising tide of misconduct. Proposed solutions include granting mission schools greater autonomy in management and reintroducing more stringent character formation programs. As the GES investigation proceeds, the Ministry of Education has pledged to enforce severe sanctions on those found responsible for the Obuasi SHTS attack, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a safe and disciplined learning environment for all Ghanaian students.