The 2025 academic year for Senior High Schools (SHSs) has begun, with several first-year students reporting to their various schools. However, the Nkwanta Senior High Technical School (SHTS) is reporting a worryingly low turnout.

School authorities at Nkwanta SHTS have recorded only four (4) first-year students as of Monday, October 20. The Headmaster, Emmanuel Atimemo, made this revelation while speaking to the media.

The low turnout has been attributed to the ongoing conflict in the area, which erupted earlier this year. As a result, authorities at Nkwanta Senior High Technical School were forced to halt activities in June.

But the Headmaster of Nkwanta SHTS has allayed parents' fears, adding that, the area is now peaceful and calm.

Nkwanta and its surrounding towns have experienced protracted conflict involving the Akyode, Adele, and Chala ethnic groups. The situation has escalated in recent years, resulting in the loss of lives and destruction of property. Consequently, a curfew was imposed on the area by the government.

The violent incidents recorded on June 26 and 27 affected three students. Two female students of Nkwanta SHS were reportedly hit by gunshots while on their way to school, while a male student was killed by a stray bullet during mock examinations.

In response, SHS schools in Nkwanta South were closed indefinitely, and the police apprehended eight individuals for their roles in the clashes. Four security posts were later established in Nkwanta and two other conflict-prone areas to ensure the safety of candidates participating in the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), which began on August 5.

Following the attacks, the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, acting on advice from the North East Regional Security Council, imposed curfew hours in Nalerigu Township and its environs from 2 p.m. to 6 a.m., effective Sunday, July 27, until further notice.

The curfew facilitated the evacuation of students from affected areas, particularly those targeted in the conflict. There is currently a total ban on carrying arms, ammunition, or any offensive weapons in the township; offenders will be arrested and prosecuted.

On Saturday evening, July 26, unknown assailants claimed the lives of two male students of Nalerigu SHS in the Northern Region. The attackers reportedly stormed the school premises, entered the dormitory, and opened fire on the students; Lukman and Gideon. Dasmani Fuseini, Assembly Member for the Denugu Electoral Area and uncle to one of the deceased, confirmed the attack. The remains of the students are currently in police custody as families work to retrieve them for burial.

Similarly, a total ban on arms and ammunition has been enforced in Nkwanta Township and its environs. The government has urged chiefs, opinion leaders, youth, and residents to exercise restraint and use non-violent means to ensure lasting peace in the area.

Meanwhile, across the country, 483,800 students have been placed into various Senior High Schools out of 590,000 candidates. On Monday, September 1, the school placement portal was opened for new entrants to verify their school choices, biodata, and other relevant information ahead of the final placement, which concluded on Monday, September 8.

Of these placements, 248,038 are females (51.4%) and 234,783 are males (48.6%). However, 107,509 candidates (18.2%) could not be matched with their initial school choices due to high demand for certain Category A schools.

Under the Free Senior High School (FSHS) programme, private SHSs have admitted 25,000 first-year students, according to the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS). Speaking to the media on Thursday, October 16, GNACOPS Executive Director Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah stated that 70 private schools across Ghana have declared a total vacancy of 44,000, of which 25,000 students have already been placed.

“But as we speak now, the government has been able to place 25,000 students in these schools. We are yet to complete the other schools for them to have the vacancies that they have declared”.

As part of this initiative, the government has allocated GH₵994 annually per student for tuition in these private schools. Parents of boarding students are required to cover additional boarding costs. These schools, categorized under Category E in the placement process, will begin accepting applications from the 2025/2026 academic year. This initiative aims to ease congestion in public SHSs and promote quality education nationwide.