The Upper East Regional Minister and Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has directed all third-year male students of the Bolgatanga Technical Institute (BOTECH) to vacate the school premises with immediate effect.
The directive follows security intelligence suggesting planned attacks on critical school infrastructure.
Addressing students on Wednesday, May 6, the Regional Minister expressed grave concern over a recurring pattern of unrest and the destruction of school property at the institution.
The Minister noted that the decision was a preemptive measure to ensure the safety of the school community and protect public property. He indicated that reports reached his office suggesting that some students intended to cause significant disturbances on campus.
“What I have picked among you is that some of you are preparing that hell will break loose tonight on the campus,” the Minister stated.
He emphasised that allowing the situation to escalate would put innocent lives at risk, as the unpredictable nature of such riots often leads to unintended casualties.
While acknowledging that the order might disrupt academic activities, the Minister stressed that the students’ own actions necessitated the intervention. He warned that failure to comply with security directives could further jeopardise their ability to sit for upcoming examinations.
“I don’t take delight in punishing people, but if you have called for it, we have to find a way out,” he said. He urged the students to comply with the directive to allow for a swift resolution of the matter.
The Minister clarified that the security intelligence specifically identified third-year male students as the primary group behind the planned disturbances. Consequently, the evacuation order is targeted rather than school-wide:
Third-Year Boys: Required to leave campus immediately.
Third-Year Girls: Permitted to remain, as they were not implicated in the reports.
First-Year Students: Permitted to remain on campus.
Second-Year Students: Currently off-campus as part of their regular schedule.
The Minister concluded by stating that a system is in place to identify those responsible for the unrest.
He maintained that the measure was necessary to maintain order and protect the integrity of the institution while the security council works to “fish out” the individuals behind the persistent rioting.
