The Rural Initiatives for Self-Empowerment (RISE)-Ghana has condemned in no uncertain terms the student unrest that took place yesterday at the Bolgatanga Technical Institute and the Bawku Technical Institute.
Students from both schools went on a rampage and destroyed the schools’ properties along with private properties of staff in connection with examination malpractice. According to reports, the students rioted because authorities of the schools were strict and prevented them from cheating in the exam halls.
Emerging viral videos saw some irate students vent their anger over the school authorities.
“In one of the viral videos, a female student from the Bawku Senior High Technical is seen sending a strong warning to school authorities to either relax the strict invigilation or else there will be no peace in the school. A male student is also heard in the background saying in the local Hausa dialect “we will bury Yahuza (Teacher?) before we leave campus,” the RISE-Ghana statement added.
The Executive Director of RISE-Ghana, Awal Ahmed Kariama in a statement copied to A1 described the incident as “unfortunate, and highly condemnable.”
The human-centred NGO said the emerging incidents of student riots in the region require urgent action to nip the canker in the bud.
“Whiles commending the two District Security Councils, Peace Council and the Ghana Education Service for the swift action and the professional manner in averting any fatalities, we wish to call to action the following: 1. The school authorities should swiftly and thoroughly investigate the matter to better understand the drivers and punish those found culpable to serve as a deterrent. 2. Introduce extracurricular activities and lessons on peacebuilding, preventing violent extremism, non-violence, and preventive diplomacy. 3. Students must also be given the needed orientation on penal measures associated with examination malpractice, destruction of life and school property, and vandalism.”
The NGO further proposed that civil society initiates programmes such as the Preventing Extremism and Conflict in Educational Institutions and Schools (PEACE In Schools) implemented by RISE-Ghana through COGINTA with funding from the European Commission” to help instil the culture of non-violent approaches, preventive diplomacy, and dialogue among students.
The programme is being piloted in 25 schools/institutions in the Upper East Region.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.10Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Bolgatanga|Ghana
