Panic erupted at Zohe Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Primary School in Yendi after two armed men reportedly stormed the school premises, fired gunshots indiscriminately, and assaulted the headmaster in a brazen attack that has drawn nationwide condemnation.
The incident, which forced pupils and teachers to flee for safety, has prompted the Ministry of Education to direct the Ghana Police Service to launch an immediate investigation and ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
Pupils and Teachers Flee as Gunmen Invade School
According to preliminary reports, the two gunmen entered the school compound and discharged firearms into the air, creating fear and confusion among pupils, teachers and other staff members.
During the attack, the school’s headmaster was allegedly assaulted and sustained injuries. A video circulating on social media appears to show the armed men firing shots while frightened children and teachers run for cover. Authorities have not yet confirmed the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Dispute Over School Land Suspected
Although police investigations are ongoing, initial reports suggest the violence may be linked to a disagreement over the construction of a structure on the school’s football field.
Officials have not established a definitive motive, but investigators are expected to examine all possible causes behind the attack as part of the ongoing criminal probe.
Education Minister Orders Swift Police Investigation
Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu has condemned the attack, describing it as a serious criminal act that has no place within Ghana’s educational institutions.
Through a statement issued by the Minister’s Press Secretary, Hashmin Mohammed, the Ministry directed the Ghana Police Service to investigate the incident without delay and bring all perpetrators to justice.
The Ministry emphasized that schools must remain safe environments where children can learn without fear or intimidation.
“Schools are sacred spaces dedicated to teaching, learning and the holistic development of children. Acts of violence, intimidation and the use of firearms on school premises are unacceptable and constitute a grave threat to the safety and well-being of learners, teachers and the entire educational community,” the statement said.
School Closed Indefinitely
Following the incident, authorities ordered the temporary closure of Zohe EP Primary School until further notice to allow police investigations and security assessments to be conducted.
The Ministry also appealed to members of the public to avoid encroaching on school lands and urged anyone with information that could assist investigators to cooperate fully with the Ghana Police Service.
Ministry Assures Parents of Learner Safety
The Ministry expressed solidarity with the injured headmaster, pupils, teachers and the wider school community, wishing the headmaster a speedy recovery.
It further assured parents and guardians that government would continue working closely with security agencies to strengthen safety measures in schools and protect learners across the country.
Renewed Focus on School Security
The Yendi shooting has reignited concerns about security within educational institutions and the need to safeguard school environments from violence and land-related disputes.
Education stakeholders are expected to closely monitor the outcome of the police investigation, while many are calling for stronger security measures to ensure schools remain safe places for teaching and learning.
The Ghana Police Service is expected to provide further updates as investigations progress and efforts continue to identify and arrest those behind the attack.
