The Ghana Education Service (GES) has temporarily shut down the Zohe Evangelical Presbyterian (E.P.) Schools in the Yendi Municipality following a violent assault by armed men on the school premises.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, July 9, 2026, reportedly stemmed from a heated dispute between certain community members and school authorities over an attempt to erect a commercial shed on the school’s property.
The confrontation escalated when the community members fired multiple warning shots into the air and assaulted the Headmaster of the Zohe E.P. Junior High School, Mr. Mohammed Shani Gazali.
In an official statement signed by the Head of Public Relations at the GES, Daniel Fenyi, management confirmed that while Mr. Gazali has since been treated and discharged from the hospital, the attack left the school community traumatised.
“Although no casualties were recorded, the incident caused significant panic, disrupted academic activities, and resulted in the vandalisation of some school property. The matter has since been reported to the Police,” the statement noted.
In response to the security breach, the GES decided to close down the schools to safeguard both learners and staff while discussions with relevant stakeholders continue.
The GES management stated, “In the interest of the safety and security of learners and staff, the Zohe E.P. Schools have been closed down temporarily while engagements continue with relevant stakeholders.
The school will be reopened on Monday, July 13, if clearance is received from the security.”
Condemning the act in the strongest terms, the education service warned that it would not tolerate any actions that compromise the safety of educational environments across the country.
“Management condemns such act of vandalism in the strongest terms, and warns that any attack on members of the school community, including staff and student, and acts that render the school environment unsafe for teaching and learning, shall not be tolerated,” the statement added, while assuring parents, guardians, and the general public that the safety of students and staff remains its utmost priority.
