The Bawku Senior High School has reopened to allow final-year students to sit for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The reopening follows a temporary closure of the school several weeks ago, after a violent attack on the campus resulted in the death of a student.

The WASSCE candidates have since begun reporting to the school, with some registered candidates taking their Visual Arts practical exam on August 5, 2025, under heightened security on campus by law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of the students.

Speaking in an interview with Accra-based TV3, the Headmaster of Bawku SHS, Rev Abugbilla Bukari, assured the public that the environment is conducive and safe for students to write the exams, dispelling any fears.

“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 final exams without any problem.

“Prospective BECE candidates who want to come to the 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,” he said.

Background

The Bawku Senior High School was temporarily closed by the Municipal Education Directorate following a deadly shooting incident involving a final-year student, Hakim Kundima, on the school's premises.

The incident happened on the evening of Saturday, July 26, 2025, at approximately 8:30 PM.

Unknown gunmen are said to have scaled the school's perimeter wall, invaded the dormitory, and forcefully removed the student before shooting him outside in what appears to be a deliberate and targeted attack.

The assailants escaped immediately after the shooting. No arrests have been made as of the time of filing this report.

Tahiru Kundima, the victim's elder brother, confirmed the death to the media and revealed that the Bawku Divisional Police Commander personally transported Hakim's body to the family.

He further suggested that the incident may be linked to the protracted conflict in the Bawku area, known for recurring episodes of violence.

In response to the incident, the Bawku Municipal Director of Education, Isaac Agbeko Azasoo, ordered the temporary closure of the school on Sunday, July 27, citing concerns of safety and security of students and staff.

MAG/VPO

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