A 15-member disciplinary committee at Salaga Senior High School (SHS) in the East Gonja Municipality of the Savannah Region has recommended the indefinite suspension of 28 students involved in a violent altercation.

The incident, which took place during an entertainment event on February 8, escalated into a clash between students from Kpembe and Salaga. The situation worsened when a student, Hardi Hamza, who initially fled the scene, returned with reinforcements, leading to a shooting that left several injured.

Following the altercation, those involved were arrested and charged at the Salaga Magistrate Court. Each student was fined 100 penalty units (GH¢1,200), with the alternative of a six-month prison sentence if they failed to pay.

Investigations determined that 20 of the 28 students were present at school during the arrests, while the remaining eight did not report to authorities. Among those detained, three were released initially, and 17 were granted freedom later, leaving only three students—Hardi Hamza (alias Mad Lion), Nuru Ibrahim (Ibi), and Abubakari Zaidu (Macharjia)—who pleaded guilty and were convicted.

The students facing indefinite suspension include three from SHS 1, eight from SHS 2, and 17 from SHS 3. Meanwhile, the remaining 25 will serve internal suspensions, which include performing hard labor on campus.

The disciplinary committee, comprising school authorities, representatives from the Kpembe Paramount Chief Palace, Old Students Association, Municipal Assembly, Parents Teachers Association (PTA), Municipal Education Service Directorate, tutors, and the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), finalized the recommendations. Sources indicate that the suspension letters are ready and awaiting approval from the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES).

Notably, Hardi Hamza had previously been involved in a similar incident two years ago when he attempted to bring a firearm to school following a student dispute. Though he was initially suspended indefinitely, parental intervention led to his reinstatement before his recent conviction.