Regional Minister Attributes Zuarungu SHS Violence to Student Indiscipline
Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has linked the recent violent disturbance at Zuarungu Senior High School to growing indiscipline among students, blaming the situation partly on the absence of corporal punishment in Ghanaian schools.
According to the minister, the country’s educational system needs urgent reform, as current policies have stripped teachers of the authority to enforce discipline effectively. “We’re seeing the consequences of removing disciplinary tools from the hands of teachers,” he remarked during a press briefing.
Speaking after a meeting with school authorities and the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), Mr. Atanga clarified that the incident, which resulted in chaos and arrests, was not fueled by tribal tensions as speculated. He said the violence broke out following a dispute over a stolen mobile phone.
The minister explained that the clash began when a student from Nakpanduri allegedly stole a phone belonging to a Kusasi student. An attempt by the victim and two friends to retrieve the device quickly escalated into a physical altercation that spread across campus. The situation intensified as some male students reportedly issued threats to female students, causing panic and forcing many to flee the school premises.
In response, Mr. Atanga ordered the immediate closure of the school to prevent further escalation and potential retaliatory attacks. Four students have since been arrested, although one reportedly escaped while being transported to the police station.
He assured that firm disciplinary measures would be taken against all those found responsible, including both the individual who stole the phone and the one who brought it onto school grounds. He also urged parents to stop giving mobile phones to their wards, noting that such devices often trigger conflicts and undermine school discipline.
“The school environment must remain a safe space for learning. We cannot tolerate actions that threaten the peace and safety of students,” he said.
The Regional Minister emphasized that efforts are underway to restore calm and discipline at Zuarungu SHS, while also calling for broader national conversations about discipline and authority in schools.
