22 students arrested over riot

Entrance of Agogo State College

At least 22 students of Agogo State College in the Asante Akim North District of the Ashanti Region spent the night in cells after being arrested for rioting by the police on campus on Sunday.

The police were called to the school at about 10:30 pm to help maintain law and order after students had caused damage to air conditioners, streetlights, standing pipes, tables and chairs belonging to the school.

The irate students caused damage to the school bus and also attempted to set it ablaze during the protest against the school administration over the weekend.

Konongo Divisional Police Commander, Supt. Bossman Ohene-Boadi, who confirmed the incident, said the SHS had been closed for some period of time by the authorities after police were called to quell the violent protest by the students.

According to him, the students protested against the school authorities over water shortages and power cuts in the school which they believed were orchestrated by management of the school to reduce the electricity bill of the institution.

He told Hello FM yesterday that 22 students, including 18 females, were arrested and detained at the Agogo District Police Command to assist in police investigations.

“The protest was led by students who used powder on their faces,” the police commander stated, adding that plans were underway to grant them police enquiry bail.

Supt. Bossman said a taskforce from the Konongo Divisional Police Command had been stationed on the campus of the school to maintain law and order in the area.

The Agogo District Director of Education, Ernest Kwadwo Afari, revealed that students who incited others to engage in violent acts would face the full rigours of the law.

According to him, parents would be made to pay for the school’s property, which were destroyed during the riot when the school reopens on Saturday.

He reiterated his commitment to helping to resolve the issues which caused the unrest, stressing that the District Chief Executive (DCE) was in the process of addressing water challenges.