By Aaron 
Bawku, Upper East Region – The Bawku Senior High School (Bawku SHS) has been temporarily shut down by the Municipal Education Directorate following the tragic death of a third-year student, Hakim Kundima, who was fatally shot on campus under alarming circumstances.
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The incident, which occurred on the night of Saturday, July 26, has sent shockwaves through the school community, leaving students, staff, and parents in deep grief and fear. The school premises, once filled with academic energy, now stand silent as authorities investigate the disturbing event.
A Deadly Attack Within the School Walls
According to reports gathered from multiple sources, the incident happened around 8:30 p.m., a time when students were either preparing for evening studies or already in their dormitories. It is alleged that unknown gunmen scaled the school’s perimeter wall, entered one of the male dormitories, and forcibly dragged Hakim Kundima outside before opening fire on him.
Eyewitness accounts claim that the entire ordeal lasted only minutes but left a trail of trauma among students who witnessed the incident. The attackers fled the scene before security personnel or police could intervene. No arrests have been made yet, and motives behind the attack remain unknown.
Confirmation from the Family
The victim’s elder brother, Tahiru Kundima, confirmed the tragic loss in an emotional statement to the press. He revealed that the Bawku Divisional Police Commander personally delivered Hakim’s body to the family, a gesture that underscores the seriousness of the case.
Tahiru expressed deep sorrow and called for justice, emphasizing that the family is devastated and seeking answers. “We never imagined this would happen in a place that was supposed to be safe for learning. Hakim was preparing for his final exams. Now he’s gone,” he lamented.
Immediate Response: School Closure
In response to the incident, the Municipal Education Directorate in Bawku has announced the immediate temporary closure of the school. This decision was taken in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES), local security authorities, and school administrators.
Officials cited the need to ensure student safety, prevent further unrest, and allow investigations to proceed without disruption. Parents were instructed to come for their wards as soon as possible, while teachers and management were advised to cooperate with law enforcement officers.
An official statement from the Education Directorate expressed condolences to the bereaved family and called for calm among students and residents.
Student Fear and Rising Concerns
The shocking nature of the incident has left students deeply shaken. Many expressed fear for their lives, citing the apparent ease with which outsiders breached the school’s perimeter. Some students reported hearing gunshots from their dorm rooms and initially thought it was a prank until the news of Hakim’s death spread.
The tragedy has reignited public debate on the state of security in Ghanaian schools, especially in volatile regions. Education stakeholders, including parents and teachers, are now calling for urgent improvements to campus safety protocols such as enhanced surveillance, better lighting, and more trained security personnel.
Investigations Underway
Police in Bawku have launched a full-scale investigation into the shooting. According to sources within the Bawku Divisional Police Command, early investigations are focusing on identifying the assailants, establishing motives, and determining whether the attack was related to any ongoing conflicts in the region.
Residents have been urged to volunteer any information that may help with the case. The police also called for patience from the public as they work to bring the perpetrators to justice.
A Wake-Up Call for School Safety
The killing of Hakim Kundima, a promising final-year student, has not only robbed his family of a loved one but has also highlighted the urgent need for enhanced security in educational institutions. As schools across the country continue to serve as second homes for thousands of students, stakeholders believe that security can no longer be treated as an afterthought.
The temporary closure of Bawku SHS is a necessary step, but many say it must be followed by lasting solutions that make campuses safe havens once again. Until then, the school—and the nation—mourns yet another young life cut short.
