The Tumu Secondary Technical Senior High School in the Upper West Region has been shut down indefinitely following riots by the students on Thursday, 24 May 2019.

Some 20 students have been picked up by the police for causing destruction to public and private property as the police command begins investigations into the disturbances.

The rest of the students were asked to leave the school before 5 p.m. on Friday.

The riots followed the refusal by invigilators to allow some candidates of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to use mobile phones in the exam halls amid claims of favouritism.

The decision to close the school was taken in consultation with the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the area and other stakeholders in education.

The PRO of the Upper West Regional Police Command, Inspector Gideon Ohene Boateng, told Valentina Ofori-Afriyie on Class 91.3FM’s 505 news programme that the suspects will be screened and “those found culpable will be sent to court” for causing unlawful damage.

He said the students vandalised air conditioners, cars, poly tanks, glass windows and bulbs, among others.

Meanwhile, the Sissala East MCE, Mr Karim Nanyua, has explained that final-year students are permitted to come to the school to sit for their final exams but they are not allowed to reside on the school’s premises.

But the Upper West Regional Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Associations has criticised authorities for shutting down the school.

He suggested that the school authorities should have addressed the issue without asking all the students – including innocent first- and second-years, to go home.

Source: Ghana/ClassFMonline.com/91.3FM