Tensions erupted between students of Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI) and Kumasi Anglican Senior High School (KASS) in the Ashanti Region, resulting in significant property damage and chaos on both campuses.
The violence unfolded late Thursday evening, with students from both schools throwing stones, burning car tires, and vandalizing property. At KASS, four private vehicles were damaged, and at KTI, a school gate, billboard, and notice board were destroyed.
KTI Principal, Gabriel Kingsford Osei, reported that KASS students started the attack, targeting KTI with stones and machetes. “I quickly moved my students to their dormitories to avoid conflict and attempted to speak with KASS students,” Osei shared. Despite his efforts to de-escalate the situation, the violence continued, and even a security guard at KTI was allegedly involved in the destruction.
However, KASS tutor, Rev. Father Kenneth Collins Owusu, believes the clash stemmed from tensions during the ongoing inter-school athletics event in Kumasi. “Even a minor argument between our students and KTI often leads to clashes. Once provoked, the groups rally together for retaliation,” Owusu explained.
The Ashanti Regional Education Directorate has intervened, inviting officials from both schools to find a peaceful resolution. Police were also on-site to restore order, though no arrests have been made as investigations continue.
This violent incident highlights the need for better conflict management in schools, particularly during competitive events. Authorities are working to ensure that future incidents like this are prevented, prioritizing student safety and peaceful interactions.