Bawku SHS final-year students return after deadly attack

Two weeks after gunfire disrupted academic life and claimed the life of a student, final-year students of Bawku Senior High School have returned to campus to continue writing their final exams.

The school, which shut down on July 27 following a deadly shooting incident, reopened under tight security to allow students to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). On Tuesday, August 5, the school recorded full attendance for the Visual Arts practical paper, with all 95 registered candidates present.

In total, over 400 of the school’s 703 final-year candidates have returned so far. The school remains under heavy security surveillance, with uniformed police and plain-clothes officers stationed across the compound to ensure safety.

The earlier closure was prompted by an armed invasion that led to the death of a student and triggered panic among students, parents, and staff. Academic activity was halted, and the campus was emptied for security assessments and consultations.

As part of efforts to restore calm, a traditional cleansing ritual was carried out on the school grounds, believed by local authorities to spiritually clear the effects of the violence. Only final-year students have been allowed back, for the sole purpose of completing their exams.

According to 3 news, Headmaster Rev. Abugbilla Bukari welcomed the return of candidates and called for full academic activities to resume.

“I can confidently say that the school is safe and there is no problem. With the current security measures in place, my students can have their exit exams without any problem,” he said.

He also addressed fears that the school is unsafe for incoming students:

“Prospective BECE candidates who want to come to Bawku Senior High School should feel free to choose our school and not listen to naysayers who want to destroy the school by saying there’s violence.”

The trauma of the incident remains fresh, but for many candidates, missing WASSCE was not an option. With police presence now visible 24/7, the school community is slowly finding its way back to its academic routine.

By Joyce Kpeglo