The Upper East Regional Minister and Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has directed all third-year male students of Bolgatanga Technical Institute to vacate the school premises with immediate effect following heightened security concerns.
The directive comes on the back of intelligence reports indicating a planned attack on key infrastructure within the school. Addressing students and staff on Wednesday evening, the Minister expressed deep concern over what he described as a recurring pattern of unrest and destruction of property at the institution.
According to him, the decision is a proactive measure aimed at safeguarding lives and protecting public assets. He disclosed that credible information received by his office suggested that some students were preparing to incite disturbances on campus.
“What I have picked among you is that some of you are preparing that hell will break loose tonight on the campus,” he stated.
Hon. Atanga cautioned that allowing such a situation to escalate could result in serious consequences, including harm to innocent individuals, given the unpredictable nature of student riots.
While acknowledging the potential disruption to academic work, the Minister maintained that the action was necessary under the circumstances. He further warned that failure to comply with the directive could affect students’ eligibility to participate in upcoming examinations.
“I don’t take delight in punishing people, but if you have called for it, we have to find a way out,” he added, urging full cooperation from the affected students to facilitate a swift resolution.
The Minister clarified that the directive specifically targets third-year male students, who were identified in the intelligence reports as being central to the planned disturbances. As such, the measure does not apply to the entire student body:
- Third-year male students: Required to vacate campus immediately
- Third-year female students: Permitted to remain
- First-year students: Permitted to remain on campus
- Second-year students: Currently off-campus as part of their academic schedule
He concluded by assuring that mechanisms have been put in place to identify individuals responsible for the unrest, emphasizing that the intervention is critical to restoring order and preserving the integrity of the institution while investigations continue.
By: BlueWaves Radio 93.7Fm / Maurice Duncan
