The Upper East Regional Minister and Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has issued an immediate directive ordering all third-year male students of the Bolgatanga Technical Institute (BOTECH) to vacate the school campus.
The order, announced on Wednesday evening, is based on security intelligence indicating planned attacks on critical school infrastructure. The Minister cited a troubling pattern of unrest and destruction of property at the institution as the backdrop for the preemptive measure.
Addressing students and faculty, Mr. Atanga revealed that reports had reached his office suggesting an imminent and significant disturbance. “What I have picked among you is that some of you are preparing that hell will break loose tonight on the campus,” the Minister stated.
He emphasized that failing to act would put innocent lives at risk, noting that the unpredictable nature of student riots often leads to unintended casualties. While acknowledging the disruption to academic activities, he stressed that the students’ own alleged plans necessitated the intervention.
“I don’t take delight in punishing people, but if you have called for it, we have to find a way out,” he said.
Targeted Evacuation
The Minister clarified that the security intelligence specifically identified third-year male students as the primary group behind the planned disturbances. Consequently, the evacuation order is targeted, not school-wide:
· Third-Year Boys: Required to leave campus immediately.
· Third-Year Girls: Permitted to remain, as they were not implicated in the reports.
· First-Year Students: Permitted to remain on campus.
· Second-Year Students: Currently off-campus as part of their regular schedule.
The Minister warned that failure to comply with the security directive could further jeopardize the students’ ability to sit for upcoming examinations. He added that a system is in place to identify those responsible for the unrest, and the security council is working to “fish out” the individuals behind the persistent rioting.
The directive is effective immediately.
