The Kwahu South Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) has issued an order for the closure of schools in Kwahu-Bepong following a shooting incident on Sunday, February 4.
The confrontation resulted in the death of two individuals and left several others with gunshot wounds, allegedly caused by stray bullets fired by the police while dispersing a crowd in the Kwahu South Municipality of the Eastern Region.
In response to the incident, 25 people have been arrested, and the town is currently under heavy police presence, with officers patrolling extensively. The youth have reportedly left the town due to fear of being apprehended by the police, who are conducting thorough searches.
The Kwahu South Municipal Chief Executive, Emmanuel Ofori Attah, explained that the decision to close all schools is aimed at preventing potential reprisal attacks and ensuring the safety of school-going children in the area.
“What you heard is true. I decided with my Education Director. The incident happened yesterday [Sunday] and it won’t be advisable for children to go to school. The basic school students won’t be going to school including the Day students at the Senior High. However, those in the boarding house will remain on campus till the case is settled,” he said.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) expressed condemnation for the unfortunate incident and stated that the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) is convening to address the ongoing disturbance and tension in the area.
“We are going to meet as leaders so by noon, everything will be fine.
A victim who sustained gunshot wounds and has been treated and discharged also shared her ordeal with the media.
“I was standing in front of our shop while they were firing the guns and it affected my hand. They were initially firing the gun towards the ground but later started firing in the direction of the people. We were five that were sent to the hospital and one passed away. The remaining ones are in the hospital currently. I only witnessed the death of one person so I’m unaware of the other person.”
He advised residents to always comply with police instructions during emergencies while calling on the police to prioritize professional conduct and explore alternative crowd control methods to minimize harm