Activista Ghana urges government to deploy security personnel in Upper East SHSs to curb rising student riots

The Upper East Regional branch of Activista Ghana, a youth movement under ActionAid Ghana, has appealed to government to station security personnel in Senior High Schools (SHSs) prone to riots. The call follows recent disturbances at Zuarungu SHS, Gowrie Senior High Technical, and Sirigu Integrated SHS, which resulted in the destruction of school property and disruption of academic work.

The petition, presented to the Regional Minister’s office after a youth float through Bolgatanga, formed part of International Youth Day activities. Members of Activista, aged between 16 and 35, carried placards with messages such as “Stop Violence in our Schools” and “No Peace, No Development, So Let’s Embrace Peace”. Regional Organizer, Mr. Rexford Akurigu, stressed that recurring riots compromise education quality, worsen poverty, and increase insecurity in the region.

Mr. Akurigu urged the Ghana Education Service to open schools to groups like Activista and ActionAid for regular student engagements on peacebuilding and discipline. He also appealed to school authorities to address student welfare needs proactively and encouraged learners to use non-violent channels to express grievances. He linked the unrest in schools to the broader insecurity in the Upper East and North East, particularly the Bawku conflict, which he said has claimed lives, displaced families, and even affected students.

Receiving the petition on behalf of the Regional Minister, Mr. Braimah Murtala of the Regional Coordinating Council assured that the concerns would be given due attention. He noted that the Minister, as chair of the Regional Security Council, was committed to restoring lasting peace, describing stability as key to safeguarding education and development in the region.