Property was destroyed and a teacher allegedly assaulted during disturbances at Bawku Senior High School after school authorities reportedly prevented examination malpractice during the ongoing WASSCE.

Bawku SHS Records Violent Disturbance Amid Ongoing WASSCE

A disturbing incident has been reported at Bawku Senior High School in the Upper East Region after some final-year students allegedly went on a rampage following efforts by school authorities to prevent examination malpractice during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The incident reportedly occurred at about 1:00 a.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026, resulting in extensive damage to school property and disruptions within the school community.

GES Director Explains Cause of Incident

Speaking to bSMART Media Upper East, the Ghana Education Service (GES) Director for the Bawku Municipality, Mr. Isaac Abweko Azasoo, disclosed that the disturbances were allegedly triggered after school management and invigilators refused to permit examination malpractice.

According to him, some final-year students who are expected to complete their examinations later this week reacted angrily to the strict enforcement of examination regulations.

“The students took the law into their own hands after authorities refused to allow any form of examination malpractice,” the Municipal Director reportedly stated.

Teacher Allegedly Kidnapped During Disturbance

Mr. Azasoo further revealed that the situation escalated into violence, during which one teacher was allegedly kidnapped by some of the students.

Details surrounding the alleged kidnapping remain limited, but education authorities are expected to collaborate with security agencies to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Another Teacher Assaulted and Hospitalised

In a separate development, another teacher was reportedly assaulted during the disturbances and had to be rushed to a health facility for treatment.

According to the Municipal Director, the injured teacher’s condition necessitated further medical attention, leading to a referral to Bolgatanga for advanced treatment.

The extent of the teacher’s injuries has not yet been officially disclosed.

Security Personnel Deployed to Restore Order

Following the incident, security personnel were deployed to the school to restore calm and maintain law and order.

The increased security presence is intended to prevent further disturbances and ensure that the remaining WASSCE papers are conducted without interruption.

Authorities have assured parents, staff, and candidates that the situation is under control.

School Will Remain Open

Despite the seriousness of the incident, the Ghana Education Service has indicated that Bawku Senior High School will not be closed down.

Academic and examination activities are expected to continue under enhanced security arrangements.

The decision is aimed at ensuring that innocent candidates preparing for the remainder of the WASSCE are not adversely affected by the actions of a few individuals.

Renewed Concerns Over Examination Malpractice

The incident has once again highlighted growing concerns about examination malpractice and the pressure faced by candidates during external examinations.

Education stakeholders have consistently warned that attempts to circumvent examination rules undermine the credibility of certificates and compromise educational standards.

The Ghana Education Service and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) have repeatedly emphasized their commitment to maintaining the integrity of national examinations.

Investigations Expected

Security agencies are expected to investigate the destruction of school property, the alleged kidnapping, and the reported assault on school staff.

Authorities have yet to announce whether arrests have been made in connection with the incident.

Further updates are expected as investigations continue.

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• WAEC Warns Candidates Against Examination Malpractice During WASSCE
• Common Reasons Candidates Lose Marks in WASSCE
• GES Strengthens School Security Measures Across Ghana
• Understanding WAEC Examination Rules and Regulations
• Student Discipline and Academic Excellence in Senior High Schools