MoE gives update on Islamic SHS shooting incident

The Ministry of Education after visiting the Kumasi-based Islamic SHS where Police on June 13, 2022, allegedly opened fire and tear gas on students during a protest says the majority of the students who were injured are doing good.

In a press release sighted by AcademicWeek, the Education Ministry said approximately 38 students as a result of the unfortunate happening got injured resulting in the halt of academic activities on the Senior High School campus.

“22 out of the 38 students have been discharged as of yesterday June 13, 2022, and have joined their colleagues on campus,” the statement signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ministry, Kwasi Kwarteng stated.

The update comes after the Deputy Minister in charge of Education, John Ntim Fordjour on behalf of the Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum visited the scene and various health facilities where injured students were admitted.

“MoE would like to assure parents, guardians and the public of the safety of their wards and is collaborating with relevant State Institutions to bring finality to the matter,” the Education Ministry release dated June 14, 2022, noted.

Speaking to Peace 104.5 FM, Mr Ntim Fordjour said representatives from the Ministry after their hospital tour on Tuesday will engage the management of the Islamic school on the way forward to ensure students’ demands are met.

In a related development, the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has said it will in due course report the Islamic Senior High School shooting incident to Parliament Select Committee on Education for further investigation and clarity.

NUGS in its release copied to AcademicWeek following the unfortunate shooting incident which lead to several students of the Islamic Senior High School being injured says it will form a 5-member committee to probe the matter.

“We condemn in no uncertain term any action that threatens the security of our students. We are shocked and surprised at live evidence of bullets, tear gas and other weapons which were unleashed on the students,” NUGS said.

It added “In the meantime, the President of the Union will lead a delegation to the school to ascertain wholly, the substance of the matter. While we take bold steps to defend our students we urge all affected students to remain calm.”